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.