36 



THE FOOD OF ANIMALS 



most typical of these {Urotrichus) are found in Japan and North 

 America (fig. 328). These resemble moles more than shrews, 

 but the reverse is the case with a species {Uropsilus soricipes) 



Fig. 328. — Hairy-tailed Mole-Shrew [Urotrichtts) 



found in Thibet. The Common Mole {Talpa Europ/zd) (fig, 329) 

 is a very good instance of an animal which has taken to under- 

 ground life, and has become modified in accordance with its 



'V-'-^'-X'^ir 



Fig. 329.— Common Mole {Talpa Eitropesa] 



habits. The limbs are converted into powerful digging organs, 

 while the closely-set velvety fur is not readily soiled by contact 

 with earth. The eyes, being only in the way of such an animal, 



