STRUCTURE, HEAT PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES AND MOLTING IN THE COMMON SHREW (SOREX ARANEUS)

Based on studies of the hair coat, its heat conductivity, and the histological and fine structure of hair shafts, all performed using 86 skins of the Common Shrew, adaptive features of its fur associated with its land burrow lifestyle in the conditions of a constant heat deficit are revealed. Living mainly in forest litter and inside passages of shallow burrows, but often appearing also on the soil surface, in the course of evolution this species has acquired a light, but rather warm hair coat not interfering with movements, showing high heat-insulating properties, characterized by moderate hair thickness and length, an irregular pubescence of certain body parts, club-shaped apical segments of the shafts, weakly curved hair bases, and the core canals more strongly developed compared to other groups of mammals. In spite of the abundant fatty grease, the increased strength of a hair and its ability to bend and fit in any direction, the fur of the shrews, due to constantly being in contact with the soil, is wiped off quite quickly. Its timely restoration is served by the so-called additional molting, in particular two processes of changing the coat following the spring, different in nature, timing and direction in which they occur.

Automated summary

The Common Shrew's fur has adapted to its land burrow lifestyle with high heat-insulating properties and moderate hair thickness and length. Despite the tendency to shed due to contact with soil, timely restoration is achieved through additional molting processes.