Which animal best fits the following description: Live underground, insectivore, 5 to 7 inches long, pink tail and feet, can burrow up to 100 feet per day, volcano-shaped mounds?

• A. Moles
• B. Voles
• C. Shrews
• D. Gophers

Answer: (A)

This item tests recognizing a burrowing insect-eating mammal by its digging life, size, and the distinctive soil mounds it leaves. Moles are specialized for living entirely underground and feeding on insects and other invertebrates found in soil. Their size—roughly 5 to 7 inches—fits typical mole species, and their forelimbs are broad and strong with pinkish feet that push soil as they dig. The pink tail and feet are a common trait associated with their digging adaptation. Moles can move a lot of earth quickly, digging tunnels at a high rate—up to about 100 feet per day is a classic figure for their industrious burrowing. When they force soil to the surface, the resulting mounds are often volcano-shaped, a hallmark feature that helps distinguish them from other burrowing animals.

Gophers also burrow and leave mound-like piles, but they are primarily herbivores, feeding on roots and vegetation, which doesn’t match the insectivore description. Shrews and voles are smaller and have different lifestyles and mound patterns, so they don’t align as well with all aspects of the description.