It’s Not a Rat!

This week we head to the Andes Mountain range in western South America, looking for a group of burrowing rodent species.

There is very little data available for this kind. They are hard to find in the wild and difficult to trap.1 They live in rocks and tunnels and have specialized feet that make living in that climate easier.2 Beyond that, very little is known and even the exact number of species is in dispute with some papers arguing for as many as twelve, while others reduce it as far as five.

I won’t blame anyone if they have not figured it out yet. This week is hard because so little is known about this kind. This week’s kind is the Abrocomidae, a group of rodents commonly called the chinchilla rats for their resemblance to the chinchilla.

Try out this fun word search!

Clue

Your clue for the next week is:

Next week’s kind are lizards that can sometimes run standing up like we do.

Ask a Question

Have you ever had a question about created kinds but didn’t know who to ask? Have you ever wanted to learn more about your favorite kind? Well, now you can! You can ask me, Inspector Barry Mins, a question! Have your parents help you fill out this form, and you might get your question answered in my column! If you have any questions about created kinds, feel free to send them my way!