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Ctenomyidae Family
Currently, this family includes 38 species placed in 1 genus, but patterns of variation within and among species are very poorly understood, and the number of species may change considerably as taxonomists continue to work on the family. Ctenomyids are found in central and southern South America. [eng]
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Ctenomyidae: Tuco-tucos
In outward appearance these South American burrowing rodents strongly resemble the North American pocket gophers (Geomyidae), and their habits are much the same. Pocket gophers have external cheek pouches, which tuco-tucos lack, and have better-developed fringes of hair on the forefeet. In Ctenomys, however, the hair fringes on the hind feet are stiffer and form comblike bristles. These "combs," which are the basis of the familial and generic names, are used to groom dirt from the fur.
[eng]
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