Definition & Meaning of "mole rat"

What is a "mole rat"?

The mole rat is a unique and fascinating rodent that is adapted to living in underground environments. It has a cylindrical body, small eyes, and no visible ears, as its lifestyle is primarily subterranean. Mole rats have powerful front limbs and large, sharp incisors for digging through soil and constructing burrows. They are known for their specialized dental structure that allows them to chew through roots and tubers, which form a significant portion of their diet. Mole rats are typically solitary or live in small family groups, and they have a complex social structure within their colonies. They are found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and they are well adapted to their underground lifestyle, with traits such as poor eyesight, acute senses of touch and smell, and unique behaviors for navigating and foraging in dark, subterranean environments. Some species of mole rats are also known for their eusocial behavior, with individuals taking on specific roles within the colony, similar to that of social insects such as ants and bees.