Moles lead lives that most of us never get to see, hidden deep underground.

These little creatures have some pretty cool tricks that make them the tunnel experts.

With eyes so tiny they can hardly see, moles rely on their super-sensitive noses to help them find food and avoid obstacles in the dark.

Every part of a mole’s body is like a perfect puzzle piece, made for life in the underground world.

So, what other interesting secrets do these little tunneling experts hold right beneath our feet?

Let’s look a little deeper and find out!

External Anatomy of the Moles

Moles’ bodies are perfectly suited for underground living. Their unique body features make them masters of tunneling and soil direction.

Moles are 5 to 7 inches long, solitary animals that rarely leave their tunnels unless by accident.

Additionally, they create extensive burrows in search of their insect prey: earthworms, grubs, and beetles.

Each part serves a specific purpose for their subterranean lifestyle.

These physical traits help them survive in darkness, where most mammals would struggle.

Here’s What Makes Moles Special

• Paddle-shaped front paws with an extra thumb-like bone for powerful digging
• Straight-up fur that doesn’t lie flat, allowing easy movement in both directions
• Tiny, barely functional eyes, as sight isn’t necessary underground
• Extra-sensitive noses with special sensors to detect food and obstacles
• Sharp, sturdy claws paired with strong chest muscles for efficient soil removal
• Compact, tube-shaped bodies are ideal for turning around in narrow tunnels
• Short tails that don’t get in the way during movement

Skeletal and Muscular Structure of Moles

Sensory Adaptations of These Digging Creatures

The way moles sense their world differs greatly from most surface mammals.

Living in darkness has led to unique changes in how they gather information about their surroundings.

Moles have tiny eyes that detect only light and dark, not detailed images. Their snout contains star-shaped nerve endings that sense soil movements.

Hidden ears under fur provide keen hearing for underground sounds.

Their paws detect vibrations, while scent glands mark tunnels to help them find their paths.

These sensory organs work together, creating a complete picture of their underground world through touch, smell, and sound rather than sight.

Internal Anatomy of Moles

The inside structure of moles shows interesting adaptations for their underground lifestyle.

Respiratory System:

• Efficient lungs that function in low-oxygen tunnel environments
• Tolerance for higher carbon dioxide levels than most mammals
• Special blood cells that store extra oxygen during intense digging

Circulatory System:

• Proportionally larger heart for sustained energy during tunneling
• Higher Red blood cell count for increased oxygen transport
• Blood vessels are positioned to prevent heat loss in cool soil

Digestive System:

• Fast-processing stomach and intestines for constant energy needs
• Sharp, pointed teeth designed for crushing insect exoskeletons
• High Metabolism that Requires Frequent Feeding

Other Internal Features:

• A specialized liver that processes toxins from an insect-heavy diet
• Efficient kidneys that conserve water in dry underground conditions
• Compact organ arrangement to fit within a tube-shaped body

These internal adaptations work together with external features to make moles perfectly suited for their unique lifestyle beneath the soil.

Internal Genital Anatomy of Moles

Moles have unique reproductive systems that suit their underground lifestyle. In this short guide, explain their internal genital parts in simple terms.

Male Mole Reproductive System

Male moles have testes that change size with the seasons. They grow larger during mating time.
Main parts include:

• Testes: Make Sperm
• Epididymis: Where Sperm Matures
• Vas deferens: Sperm Transport Tube
• Accessory glands: Produce Fluids
• Penis: Stays Hidden when Not in Use

Female Mole Reproductive System

Female moles have a compact reproductive system.
Key parts:

• Ovaries: Produce Eggs and Hormones
• Fallopian tubes: Egg Pathways
• Uterus: Where Babies Develop
• Vagina: Birth Canal

Their Unique Features and Adaptations

Moles have developed some traits that help them survive in their dark, underground world.

These special features show how nature finds solutions to unique living situations.

Underground Breathing Mechanisms

Moles have special breathing systems that work in their tunnel homes. Their blood cells can hold more oxygen than those of other small mammals.

These tunnel experts can handle high levels of carbon dioxide that would make other animals sick.

Their lungs extract oxygen efficiently from stuffy underground air.

When oxygen levels drop in deeper tunnels, moles often move to higher chambers with better air quality.

Polydactyl Forepaws (Extra Thumb)

The front paws of moles contain a standout feature, an extra “thumb” bone called the os falciform.

This sixth digit gives moles more power when moving soil.

Each front paw turns outward, allowing moles to push dirt to the sides while moving forward. The skin between their fingers is thick and tough for protection.

The muscles attached to these special paws are much larger than expected for such a small animal.

Saliva Toxin for Prey Storage

Some mole species have saliva containing mild toxins. These toxins paralyze prey rather than killing it, keeping food fresh underground for days.

Moles create small food storage rooms off their main tunnels. These “pantries” can hold dozens of paralyzed worms for later meals.

This food storage system helps moles survive during times when hunting becomes difficult.

Ecological Role and Behavior Related to Anatomy

A mole’s body shape directly affects its behavior and role in nature. Their unique parts help them dig, hunt, and change their environment.

Digging Abilities and Soil Impact

Moles have powerful front legs and claws that let them tunnel at about 18 feet per hour. This digging:

• Adds air to the soil
• Improves water flow
• Moves nutrients between layers

One mole can turn over about 22 pounds of soil daily through tunnels up to 100 feet long.

Feeding Habits

Moles mainly eat worms and grubs found while tunneling. Their sensitive nose helps locate food without sight.

They eat about half their body weight daily and need to feed often due to the high energy cost of digging. Their special teeth and lips keep dirt out while eating.

Senses and Habitat

Though nearly blind, moles have excellent smell and touch senses. Their feet detect vibrations, helping them find prey and avoid threats.

Moles create Two Tunnel Types:

• Shallow hunting paths
• Deep living spaces with rooms for sleeping, food storage, and raising young

Fun Facts About Moles

Here are some interesting facts about moles you might not know yet:

• Moles can dig up to 18 feet of tunnel in a single hour.
• Their fur lies flat in both directions, allowing them to move back up easily in tunnels.
• The star-nosed mole has 22 tentacles on its snout with super-sensitive touch sensors.
• Moles rarely come above ground except during floods.
• Their jaw muscles can bite with a force of 30-40 times their body weight.
• They can push soil weighing 20 times their body weight.
• Some mole species swim well and cross water to find new homes.
• Moles stay active all year and don’t hibernate, even digging through snow.

You might even try setting up a camera near molehills to catch a rare glimpse of these shy tunnel-makers. Comment below what other yard animals you would like to learn about next.