Animals Living Underground
A World Beneath the Ground
Animals live in diverse environments across every corner of the world. Some inhabit oceans, others mountains, and still others the tops of trees. But for some, the safest place is beneath the soil. These animals are protected from predators and extreme weather conditions by the burrows and tunnels they dig. These burrows can be as simple as a single depression or as complex as a network of chambers stretching for meters underground.
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Why Beneath the Soil?
Life underground is especially safe for small animals. Young offspring are more secure in these burrows. Additionally, burrows provide protection from heat and cold, snow and rain. Some animals dig their burrows through great effort, while others take over burrows made by other creatures.
Animal Species That Live in Burrows
Animals that dig their own burrows: Moles, ants, wild bees, and some species of spiders.
Animals that take over other animals’ burrows: Foxes and some species of weasels.
Animals that occupy abandoned burrows: Rabbits and hedgehogs.
Some Animals That Live Underground
Mole: Lives underground and digs tunnels using its powerful forelimbs.
Kangaroo rat: A small rodent capable of storing up to 120 liters of grain in its burrows.
Burrowing owl: One of the rare bird species that builds its nest in underground burrows.
Arctic fox: Prefers underground burrows during the breeding season.
Bear: Digs burrows beneath soil or snow to spend the winter.
Ant: Constructs complex burrow systems beneath the soil.
Prophet shrimp: Lives in water but builds its burrows beneath sand and mud.
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Invertebrates and Underwater Burrows
Most animals living underground are invertebrates. In addition to ants, some species of wild bees and spiders also inhabit burrows. In aquatic environments, species such as the prophet shrimp dig their burrows beneath sand.
Dinosaur Burrows
Scientists have discovered that even some small dinosaurs lived underground. A 110-million-year-old dinosaur burrow found in Australia demonstrates that this lifestyle dates back to a very ancient time.
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