The family Bathyergidae, commonly known as mole-rats, includes several species of burrowing rodents found primarily in Africa. These animals are adapted to a subterranean lifestyle, featuring strong forelimbs for digging and a lack of external ears. Mole-rats are social creatures, often living in colonies, and they exhibit interesting behaviors such as cooperative breeding. Mole-rats are herbivorous, primarily feeding on roots and tubers. They have a unique dental structure that allows them to gnaw through tough plant material. Some species, like the naked mole-rat, are known for their eusocial behavior, similar to that of ants and bees, where a single queen reproduces while others assist in colony maintenance.