What is a distinctive anatomical feature of pocket gophers?

What is a distinctive anatomical feature of pocket gophers?

• A. Fur-lined cheek pouches
• B. Wings
• C. Gills
• D. Horns

Answer: (A)

Pocket gophers are built for life underground, and a standout feature is their fur-lined cheek pouches. These pouches sit inside the mouth and open behind the incisors, allowing the animal to grab plant material while digging and carry it back to its burrow for storage. The fur lining helps keep dirt out and the pouch can expand to hold a surprising amount of food, which is essential for caching underground. Wings, gills, and horns don’t describe pocket gophers. They’re mammals without wings or gills, and they don’t have horns.

Pocket gophers are built for life underground, and a standout feature is their fur-lined cheek pouches. These pouches sit inside the mouth and open behind the incisors, allowing the animal to grab plant material while digging and carry it back to its burrow for storage. The fur lining helps keep dirt out and the pouch can expand to hold a surprising amount of food, which is essential for caching underground.

Wings, gills, and horns don’t describe pocket gophers. They’re mammals without wings or gills, and they don’t have horns.