Ugly mammals and the useful biology behind their looks

The mammals collected here are not a biological subgroup. They range from primates and rodents to bats, anteaters and seals. What connects them is the human reaction to features that depart from a familiar pet-like face.

Looking at function changes the comparison. The star-nosed mole has a tactile organ where people expect a simple nose. The naked mole-rat has loose skin and exposed incisors suited to underground work. The aye-aye combines sensitive ears, growing teeth and a highly mobile finger to extract food from wood.

Body shape also records habitat and social life. The saiga conditions dusty or freezing air through its flexible nose, while the male proboscis monkey uses an enlarged nose in visual and vocal signalling. Appearance is the visible result of many different ecological problems.