Published in Current Biology · View the paper (DOI)
Researchers have discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest their own root crops to meet their high energy demands. This unique behavior, known as root cropping, is believed to be a key factor in the gophers' ability to maintain extensive tunnel systems.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Pocket gophers are underground root “farmers,” new study shows Cell Press · Jul 11, 2022 · first to report
- Root-farming gophers might be our closest agricultural relatives University of Florida · Jul 11, 2022