Comparison of skull shape versus bite force in two independent lineages of subterranean mole-rat rodents (Bathyergidae versus Spalacidae)

Rodents living underground originated in multiple lineages during evolution. Two of them being mole-rats from Africa (Bathyergidae) and from the Middle East (Spalacidae). Both species show distinct adaptations to powerful biting, using teeth to dig tunnel systems. In this project, convergent modification in the skull shape in relation to biting performance will be studied.