Correlation between form and function in evolution of moles

Family Talpidae includes various ecological forms of moles: ambulatory ( Uropsilus soricipes ), semifossorial ( Neurotrichus gibbsii , Desmana moschata ), aquatic and semiaquatic ( Desmana moschata , Condylura cristata ), fossorial ( Talpa europaea , Mogera wogura , Scalopus aquaticus and others). All of them from primitive to highly specialized species are characterized by unique action of the forelimbs – lateral stroke. The new function of the limbs became possible with great transformations of skeleton and muscles. Ecological forms of moles represent the fixed stages of these global changings. The studding in detail their bones and muscles is the only way to know how the evolution works. Our research uses original measurements of bone structure in forelimbs and hindlimbs. As a result, we could find some interesting trends in the modification of locomotor apparatus. With the specialization to digging activity occur impressive transformations of forelimb: narrowing of the vertebral border of scapula, broadening of humerus, extension of olecranon. These have a strong correlation with the corresponding reorganization of muscles: teres major, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, ectopectoralis, rhomboideus thorocalis and flexor digitorum profundus. The forelimb structure is similar in semifossorial Desmana moschata and Neurotrichus gibbsii. Hindlimbs remain constant in general. However, a new support function lead to some changings: decreasing of acetabulum, thickening of ischium, expanding of proximal end of femur especially trochanters. Such transformations of the hindlimb muscles are associated with the strengthening of femur adductors, flexors, rotators and extensions of knee‐joint. In Desmana moschata and Condylura cristata hindlimbs are relevant to swimming and finally the musculature in these two forms have features in common.