Postnatal development of the largest subterranean mammal (Bathyergus suillus): Morphology, osteogenesis, and modularity of the appendicular skeleton.

Scratch-digging adaptations appear at perinatal age and then specialize in subadults. Early development of agonistic and digging behaviors and onset of sexual maturation seems to contribute to its development, although genetic factors also seem to play an important role. Ontogenetic differences are probably a trade-off to counteract weaker cortical bone properties and poor muscle development in juveniles, whereas slender but thicker cortical bones maximize bone resistance during burrow construction without compromising locomotor performance in adults.