Golden Mole Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chrysochloridae

All extant species of golden moles belong to the Chrysochloridae family. This family belongs to the order Afrosoricida, which also contains otter-shrews and ternrecs from the Tenrecidae family.

Other options were Talpidae, which is a family of moles, and Procaviidae, which is a family of hyraxes.

Answer: True

They have a markedly southern African centre of diversity, with only three species occurring outside this region: Calcochloris leucorhinus in equatorial forest and woodlands of central Africa; Chrysochloris stuhlmanni in montane forests of east and central Africa; and Calcochloris tytonis, known from only a single specimen collected in Somalian woodland.

Answer: Their fur reflects light that appears golden in colour.

Golden moles are not all golden coloured. Fur colour varies from black to pale tawny-yellow.

Their family name of "Chrysochloridae" is derived from Greek, meaning green-gold which refers to the iridescent sheen of coppery gold, green, purple or bronze on their fur.

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Answer: Burrows

Golden moles are fossorials, meaning that they are adapted for digging. They create extensive burrow systems for shelter, protection, and temperature regulation. Their underground adaptation allows them to thrive in harsh desert and savanna environments.

Answer: True

Golden moles are underground animals and, since light is not as important for survival underground, golden moles are blind. They do have "vestigial" eyes, which are covered in fur and skin.

Answer: Insectivorous

Golden moles primarily feed on a diet of insects and soil invertebrates including worms, grubs, and beetles.

Answer: To increase vibration sensitivity

The malleus is one of the three ossicles or small bones that make up the middle ear. It is the hammer-shaped bone that connects the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to the incus, the second ossicle of the middle ear.

Despite not having external ears, golden moles have developed middle and inner ears that allow them to detect seismic and auditory waves for communication and navigation.

Answer: Metabolic efficiency

The metabolic efficiency of golden moles includes a low basal metabolic rate, which reduces their energy and water consumption.

Their kidneys are highly efficient at reabsorbing water, enabling them to retain as much water as possible from their diet and limiting water loss through urination.

Answer: Nocturnal

Golden moles are mostly active during the night. They emerge from their burrows after sunset to forage for food, mate, and explore their environment.

Answer: Owls

Being nocturnal animals, owls are active at night, which is also when golden moles are. This signifies why golden moles become the meal of owls

Golden moles are endemic to the African continent, where we cannot find Tasmanian devils (endemic on the island of Tasmania), ounce (endemic to mountain ranges in central and south Asia), or margays (endemic to central and southern America).