Fossoriality
Fossoriality refers to the evolutionary adaptation of animals to a subterranean lifestyle, characterized by a suite of morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits that enable them to live and forage in underground environments. This adaptation is particularly prevalent among mammals, such as moles, shrews, and some rodents, but also occurs in certain reptiles and amphibians.
Fossorial animals typically possess elongated bodies, short limbs, and often a reduced or absent tail. Their
Physiologically, fossorial animals often have adaptations to conserve energy and oxygen. They may have a reduced
Behaviorally, fossorial animals exhibit a range of adaptations to their subterranean lifestyle. They often have a
Fossoriality is a remarkable example of convergent evolution, as it has evolved independently in different lineages