Androphilesamaji 2.0

Landscape Language

Primitive (adj) – relating to an early stage in evolutionary development

Despite the name, mountain beavers (Aplodontia rufa) are not related to the common beaver (Castor canadensis). Instead, mountain beavers are the only member of the Aplodontiidae family, which is believed to be the most primitive living rodent species. In biology, “primitive” means relating to an early evolutionary stage. Mountain beavers retain a primitive skull and jaw structure (called protrogomorphous) found in early rodents. Later rodent species evolved different skull shapes to allow for more efficient bites and range of motion. Mountain beavers also have primitive, inefficient kidneys that cannot concentrate toxins so they must drink a third of their body weight in water every day. This restricts their range to areas near water and along the foggy Pacific coast. While common in the Pacific Northwest, mountain beaver subspecies in California are considered endangered.