STAR NOSED MOLE(The beauty of ugly)

A.K.RAAHA SUTHAIII UG PHYSICS

13PHY040

EXORDIUM:

HEBITAT:1.Wet low areas of eastern Canada.

2.Northeastern United states.3.Atlantic coast

4.Southeastern Georgia

Range of star nose moleThey prefer damp to

Saturated soil.

These species like to inhabit in the wet areas, wet meadows, lakes, streams and banks. These

moles create tunnels underneath the water.

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATIONKingdom AnimaliaPhylum ChordataClass MammaliaOrder EulipotyphiaFamily TalpidaeSubfamily ScalopinaeTribe Condylurini(Gill-

1872,1875)Genus Condylura(Illiger-1811)Species C.CristataBionomical name Condylura cristata

MORPHOLOGYStar nosed mole is covered with thick, blackish-

brown water repellent fur.Large scaled feet and thick tail (fat storage

reserve for spring breeding season)Adults: Length=15-20cm, Weight=55grams,

Teeth=44Rays: 22 mobile, pink, fleshy, tentacles at the

end of the snout.These rays are used to identify the food by

touching.

REPRODUCTIONStar nosed mole usually mate in the middle of

March and April.The females reproduce only once a year.

However, the females may also reproduce for the second time at an unsuccessful first time.

Each litter contains 2 to 7 babies.

AT PARTURITIONEach offspring about 5cm long, hairless,

1.5gram weight.Their eyes, ears, stars are sealed, only opening and becoming useful about 14 days after birth.

They become independent after 30 days.They fully matter after 10 months.

STAR NOSE:Sensory motor organ shaped by 22 fleshy finger

like appendages or tendrils.It is larger than the other mole species noses.

The snouts are lined with 25,000 minute sensory receptors. It is helpful for the mole feel

its way through its underground lair.These are help to kill its prey with

in 120 milliseconds.

AMAZING ADAPTATIONIt is a fastest eating mammal. They are almost

being blind.The Star-Nosed Mole’s adaptation has occurred because its poor-sighted eye could result in the

species to extinction because it won’t be able to hunt its prey.

The mole lives in dirt, so it should be dirty.It’s prey is too fast for it.

Its nose prevent the dirt from entering nose and mouth. Without its

nose, it would not be able to survive in its

habitat. The nose of these species act, as a powerful sensory

organ because these help them to see.

Life span 3-4 years.

INCREDIBLE MATTERThe Guinness Book of World Record has stated that these species are in the list of one of the

fastest hunters.The tentacles of these species are six times faster

when compared to the human hand.The blackish brown fur of these species helps them to be warm during winter. This prevents

freezing of their body.

FASHION Color Blackish brownSize 15-20cmWeight 55 gramBody Long tail, water

resistant furLegs Four legs dotted

with scalesHead Not clear visionTeeth 44Nose Like a star

HABITUDEThese species dwell in both wet areas as well as

land surface.They can swim long distances in search of prey.

However, like to spend several hours on the land surface.

These species are active during both day and night and even during winter

They prefer to live together forming colonies.

FOODThese species like

to have small insects & fishes.

At other times, they can also go for ants, beetle

snails, and mollusks for their

diet.

PREDATORSHawks,skunks,owls,minks,weaseals,snakes.

PHYLOGENTIC TREEStar

nosed

mole and

itsclose relatives.

TYPES OF PROPORTION

FACTSC.cristata are the only mole species that live in

the wetlandsC.cristata  are not currently endangered, but

humans are expanding and destroying the wetlands

They could be at risk in the future.  C.cristata can consume its body weight in

worms and insects in a single day.The star shaped nose on  C.cristata  has over

160,000 touch sensors per square inch 

Star nosed mole are looking ugly. So don’t neglect them. They are useful for human. Don’t let them like dinosaurs to destroy

REFERENCE:BBC Nature 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Star-nosed_Mole, Retrieved on 6th November 2013

PBS, http://www.pbsorg/wnet/nature/animal-guides/animal-guide-star-nosed-mole/466

, Retrieved on 6th November 2013Wikipedia, 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Nosed_Mole, Retrieved on 7th November 2012

http://www.animalplace.net/mammals/star-nosed-mole-facts-characteristics-habitat-and-more/http://animals.mom.me/star-nosed-mole-adaptations-6090.html

https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2014/fisher_cody/facts.htm