Outcomes Advanced Audio script

Page 74 Unit 8 Track 27

1
Unusually for this species, it can swim underwater as well as tunnel underground, which is
handy as it inhabits low wetland areas. Its long claws are adapted for tunnelling through the
earth and its water-resistant fur allows it to remain underwater. The long thick tail is thought
to store extra fat to draw upon during the mating season. The mole is functionally blind,
which is why it has developed the distinctive star-shaped set of feelers that give it its name.
These feelers allow it to sense nearby movement. Uniquely, the mole can also smell
underwater. It does this by blowing out tiny bubbles through its nose in order to capture
scents that are sucked back in. These adaptations are highly efficient and the star-nosed mole
is apparently the fastest eater in the animal kingdom, being able to identify, snatch and
consume its prey all in a matter of milliseconds.

2
While the sparrow hawk is more commonly found in woodland, its short broad wings and
long tail allow it to manoeuvre quickly through the trees, while the light striped markings on
its breast and its darker upper parts help it to blend into the background, as it tends to lie in
wait for its prey before shooting out. It has relatively long legs that enable it to kill in mid-
flight. The long slender central toe is adapted to grasp, while a small projection on the
underside of the claw enables it to grip and hold onto its prey whilst flying. Its small hooked
beak is used for plucking and tearing flesh rather than killing. It also sometimes hunts on foot
through vegetation. In recent years, it has appeared more and more in cities, where it has no
predators and where it is often seen as a pest, damaging garden bird populations.