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fossorial

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fos·so·ri·al  (f-sôr-l, -sr-)
adj. Zoology
Adapted for or used in burrowing or digging: the fossorial forefeet of a mole.
[From Late Latin fossrius, from Latin fossus, past participle of fodere, to dig.]
fossorial [fɒˈsɔːrɪəl]
adj
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (of the forelimbs and skeleton of burrowing animals) adapted for digging
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (of burrowing animals, such as the mole and armadillo) having limbs of this type
[from Medieval Latin fossōrius from Latin fossor digger, from fodere to dig]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.fossorial - (of limbs and feet) adapted for digging
cursorial - (of limbs and feet) adapted for running
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adapted to running) and not all subterranean species have fossorial habits.
Substrate utilization and feeding strategies of mammals: description ... by Miljutin, Andrei / Estonian Journal of Ecology
Although eastern moles feed primarily on invertebrates (Whitaker & Schmeltz 1974; Mumford & Whitaker 1982), cicadas were not common in their diet, likely due to the fossorial habits of moles.
Food habits of mammals during an emergence of 17-year cicadas by Storm, Jonathan J.; Whitaker, John O., Jr. / Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science
carolinensis, which is highly fossorial and feeds primarily on ants, termites, and beetles.
Reproduction, embryonic development, and maternal transfer of ... by Jackson, Brian Phillip / Environmental Health Perspectives
 
 
 
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