Anatomical and behavioural specialisations of shrews in relation to their diet

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Abstract
The gross anatomies of the heads of Crocidura suaveolens, Sorex araneus and Sorex minutus were examined and found to be similar in all three species. The presence of Eimers's organs and sensory vibrissae on the snout of S. minutus is demonstrated and their structure is shown to be similar to that of the European mole. The role of the various senses in prey detection and capture by shrews is discussed in the light of behavioural experimentation. It is suggested that the specialisations in anatomy, histology, behaviour, and ecology of shrews represent a major advance on the 'primitive' mammalian condition.

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