Why can desmans close their nostrils and ear openings?
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Desmans are amphibious moles that have evolved to forage for prey underwater. They are able to close their nostrils and ear openings specifically to prevent water from entering these passages while they are submerged. This adaptation is essential for their survival as they hunt for aquatic insects, crustaceans, fish, and amphibians in lakes, ponds, and swift-moving streams.12