armored shrewとは 意味・読み方・使い方

The Hero Shrew (Scutisorex somereni), also known as the Armored Shrew, is a large shrew native to Africa, which has a highly unusual spinal column. Its corrugated interlocking vertebrae are quite different from those found in other shrews, or in fact, in any other type of mammal. The modifications in the shrew's backbone are remarkable. Normally, mammals have five lumbar vertebrae, yet the Hero shrew has 11. The vertebrae between the ribs and the hips sport interlocking spines on their sides and lower surfaces. These spines mesh with the projections on the vertebrae behind and in front, creating an incredibly strong, yet flexible structure. The spine is so elaborate that it accounts of 4% of the shrew's body weight. In other small mammals the spine only accounts for 0.5-1.6% of the overall mass. The modifications to this small animal's body haven't stopped at the spine. The ribs are much thicker than those of similarly sized mammals and the spinal muscles have undergone some radical changes. The transverse muscles are reduced, while the muscles that extend and flex the spine are well developed, which results in the shrew's peculiar gait with the spine flexing in a snake-like manner. The Hero Shrew feeds on insects, snails, worms and small lizards.