Blind moles use beauty for function, not fancy

Friday, January 27, 2012 - 14:30 in Biology & Nature

(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have long wondered why a blind mole that lives in underground darkness has beautiful iridescent hair. After all, many animals or birds with magnificent features exhibit their colorful beauty for mating purposes. Now, a new study shows that the iridescent hairs of the blind golden mole, Chrysochloridae, aren’t for attracting potential mates. Instead, the shiny coats help the rodents function efficiently underground.

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