Life's Little Mysteries

Are Naked Mole Rats Blind?

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subterranean, animals, blind, sight, see
They live in the dark, but that doesn't mean they are blind. (Image credit: Rochelle Buffenstein/City College of New York.)

No. They live underground, but these hairless creatures have a keen, if limited, sense of sight.

And they don't like what they see, according to a report in the November 2006 Animal Behaviour. Light may suggest that a predator has broken into a tunnel, which could explain why subterranean diggers developed sight in the first place.

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.