Meet the Star-Nosed Mole
In Meet the Star-Nosed Mole, narrator Sir David Attenborough discovers the star-nosed mole, a creature with the most unique nose on Earth! Its nose has 22 tiny finger-like appendages that help the mole feel and detect food incredibly fast. Not only does this mole live and dig underground, but it can also swim — making it one of the fastest hunters both on land and in water! This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
Lesson Express
Q: How do the star-nosed mole's 22 sensory fingers help it survive in both land and water environments?
A: The sensory fingers on the mole’s nose allow it to quickly detect food by touch, helping it find prey both underground and underwater. This unique adaptation makes it an efficient hunter in both environments.
Q: Why is the star-nosed mole’s ability to hunt underwater as important as its ability to hunt on land?
A: The ability to hunt underwater allows the mole to access a wider range of food sources, making it one of the few animals that can successfully hunt in both land and water environments, ensuring it has a consistent food supply.
Q: How might the star-nosed mole’s fast hunting ability benefit it in the wild?
A: The mole’s fast hunting ability allows it to quickly capture prey, which is essential for survival. It helps the mole avoid predators and ensures it gets enough food to sustain itself.