>>5395353Digging for food led to the frame of the Murmot becoming more squat and robust. The lampreylike mouth inherited from more archaic Mungori developed into a hard, bony palate covered in keratinous teeth. Using its tongue the Murmot can now process plant matter more efficiently by crushing it against the teeth before swallowing. The tongue-plate now serves as an equivalent of the incisors, aiding in cutting off chunks of grass bulbs.
