The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat, is a burrowing rodent native to parts of East Africa and the only species currently classified in the genus Heterocephalus. It was once thought to be one of only two eusocial mammals (the other being the Damaraland mole rat) but this classification is controversial owing to disputed definitions of 'eusociality' as well as the existence of other mammals that satisfy the original definition of Wilson (1971). It has a highly unusual set of physical traits that enables it to thrive in an otherwise harsh, underground environment, including being the only mammalian thermoconformer, a lack of pain sensation in its skin and a very low metabolism.
Read more about Naked Mole Rat: Description, Physiology, Longevity, Resistance To Cancer, Conservation Status, In Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the words mole and/or rat:
“For like a mole I journey in the dark,
A-travelling along the underground”
—John Davidson (1857–1909)
“It is restful, tragedy, because one knows that there is no more lousy hope left. You know you’re caught, caught at last like a rat with all the world on its back. And the only thing left to do is shout—not moan, or complain, but yell out at the top of your voice whatever it was you had to say. What you’ve never said before. What perhaps you don’t even know till now.”
—Jean Anouilh (1910–1987)