Naked Mole Rat – More Than Meets The Eye
The naked mole rat (*Heterocephalus glaber*), a fascinating rodent native to the dry tropical grasslands of East Africa, has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike with its unique adaptations and social structure. Typically measuring between 3 to 4 inches in length and weighing around 1.1 to 1.2 ounces, these remarkable creatures are characterized by their hairless, gray-pink skin and small, almost vestigial eyes, which contribute to their poor eyesight. Their physical attributes, such as short legs and large incisors, are perfectly suited for their underground lifestyle, allowing them to navigate the intricate burrowing systems they inhabit. These tunnels can stretch up to three miles, accommodating colonies that range from 20 to 200 individuals, with an average of about 80 members.
The social dynamics of naked mole rats are particularly intriguing, as they live in a highly structured colony led by a single queen and a few breeding males. The rest of the colony consists of sterile worker rats, divided into specialized roles such as tunnel diggers and soldiers. This hierarchical system ensures the survival and efficiency of the colony, with the queen living up to 18 years while fiercely defending her position against rival females. One of the most remarkable aspects of their survival is their ability to thrive in low-oxygen environments; their small lungs and highly efficient blood allow them to adapt to the challenging conditions of their underground habitat. During times of scarcity, their metabolism can decrease to as little as 25% of its normal rate, showcasing their resilience in the face of environmental stressors.
In addition to their intriguing biology and social structure, naked mole rats play a significant role in cancer research due to their remarkable resistance to the disease. Researchers have found that these rodents rarely develop cancer, making them a valuable model for understanding cancer prevention and treatment. Their diet primarily consists of large underground tubers, which they cleverly harvest without destroying the plant, allowing it to regenerate and sustain the colony for extended periods. Despite the harshness of their environment, naked mole rats are not currently considered threatened, demonstrating their adaptability and resilience in the wild. As we continue to study these extraordinary creatures, they offer insights not only into survival strategies but also into potential breakthroughs in medical science.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5DcOEzW1wA
The
naked mole rat
(
Heterocephalus glaber
) is a
rodent
, known for its burrowing and is indigenous to East Africa. The mole rat possesses a number of characteristics which allow it to survive in underground and harsh environments.
The average naked mole rat is between 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) in length and weighs between 1.1 and 1.2 ounces (30 to 35 grams). They have small eyes, poor sight, and have legs that are quite short and thin. They are also able to move backward and forward at the same quick pace and have large teeth that allow them to dip. The term “naked” comes from the fact that they have very little hair and gray-pink skin.
The species is highly adapted to situations in which oxygen is limited within tunnels of their habitat. The lungs are small and their blood is greatly able to bond oxygen. They have very low metabolic and respiration rates. During periods of drought and hunger, the metabolic can decrease further to about 25% of its normal level.
The naked mole rat lives predominantly in the dry tropical grasslands in East Africa with large concentrations being concentrated in Somalia, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia. Groups of around 80 individual mole rats (although it can be as few as 20 and as many as 200) live within a complex burrowing system within the African desert. These tunnel systems can be quite long, between two to three miles in length.
There is a complex hierarchical structure where one queen and between 1 and 3 males reproduce, the other naked mole rats are workers and sterile. Dimorphism exists between the males, two forms of workers (tunnel digging/gathering and soldiers), and the breeding males. The breeding males and the queen can keep up their relationship for several years. The queens can live for a period of between 13 and 18 years and are quite hostile towards other females. Upon the death of the queen, another female will become queen in her place.
The naked mole rat mostly eats large tubers that they find underground during their mining exhibitions. However, they are also known for eating their own fecal matter. One tuber, depending upon its size, can feed a colony for several months or years as they only eat the inside of the tuber. They leave the outer parts so that the tuber is able to regenerate.
Naked mole rats are currently not a threatened species. Although their living conditions are tough, they are a widespread species.
Naked mole rats help in cancer research, because they never get cancer (
read here
).
