Soricidae

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Soricidae (shrews; suborder Lipotyphla, superfamily Soricoidea) A family of small mammals that have short, dense fur, small eyes, ears which are usually visible externally, and long, mobile muzzles equipped with many sensory receptors. The upper molar teeth have a characteristic W-shaped pattern, and the first upper incisor is long and curved. There is no zygomatic arch. The Soricidae are distributed throughout the world except for Australasia and most of S. America. There are 21 genera, with some 250 species.

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