What Moles Reveal About Evolution, Mammal History, and Our Deep Shared Ancestry

Buried Lineages takes readers underground to uncover one of evolution’s most revealing stories. Moles are more than elusive garden diggers: they are a living example of how mammals adapt to extreme environments and how ancient pressures continue to shape body plans, behavior, and survival.

Through clear, engaging science writing, Nora F. Mercer explores:

From powerful forelimbs and reinforced skulls to reduced eyes and other subterranean adaptations, moles make evolution visible. Readers curious about mammals, natural history, and the origins of underground life will find a thoughtful, accessible exploration of ancestry, adaptation, and the hidden forces that shaped life long before humans appeared.