Diet
Large tubers found underground as
they never go above ground their
whole lives. They also never need
to drink water
Habitat
Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia. Underground
in dry grasslands
Size
Typically 8 – 10 cm, and weighing 30g.
The queens weigh well over 50g
Lifespan
Enjoys a lifespan of up to 32 years.
Their skin has no pain receptors, and
they are resistant to cancer
Living in families of up to 300 individuals,
naked mole rats have a similar social
structure to ants and termites. They are ruled by a queen and the rest are workers that dig tunnels and find food. The queen is far larger than the others, expanding the space between her vertebrae when she steps into the role. She is extremely hostile towards other females to prevent them from becoming a queen.
Only the queen gives birth. Everytime she
has an extra youngster, she grows an extra
nipple!
Their teeth are on the outside of
their lips to prevent dirt from getting
into their mouths whilst tunnelling
More of our animals you may like to meet
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