The Family Geomyidae consists of pocket gophers, small to medium-sized burrowing rodents found primarily in North and Central America. These animals are highly specialized for a subterranean lifestyle, with strong forelimbs and large claws for digging extensive tunnel systems. Pocket gophers have fur-lined cheek pouches for carrying food, and their diet mainly consists of roots, tubers, and other underground plant parts. They play an important ecological role by aerating soil, mixing organic material, and affecting plant community dynamics, although their burrowing can sometimes conflict with agriculture and landscaping.