Book 24, Question 44
What do expert diggers' bodies have in common?
Animals that dig, such as badgers, aardvarks, and armadillos, have strong front limbs, big claws, powerful shoulders, and short, sturdy bodies. Many have small ears and eyes that are protected from dirt. Their claws work like shovels, and their strong muscles power the digging. Engineers copy these designs to build digging machines.
More fun facts
- Moles have huge, paddle shaped front feet with strong claws for digging.
- Their tiny eyes and ear openings are hidden in their fur, and they have no outer ears.
- Mole fur is short and velvety and lies flat either way, so moles can move forward or backward in a tunnel.
- Woodchucks have short, strong legs and long, curved claws that are great for digging burrows.
- A woodchuck's eyes, ears and nose sit near the top of its head, so it can peek out of its burrow while staying hidden.
Questions kids ask
Are moles rodents?
No. Moles are insect eaters and are related to shrews.