The Aardvark - In A Class By Itself

Actually, the aardvark is classed as a mammal, but it is in an order and family all by itself. However, that isn’t the only unusual thing about this unique animal.

The aardvark’s order is tubulidentata and refers to the animal’s teeth. Its teeth are rootless (which means they never stop growing), hexagon-shaped cylinders. Most teeth are covered with enamel, but the aardvark’s teeth have cementum, which is basically a bone-like covering.

The aardvark is similar to the platypus in that it seems to be pieced together like a bizarre science experiment. It sports ears that are similar to a donkey, and its hind legs are like a rabbit’s. The aardvark has claws and muzzle that are akin to an anteater’s, and its nose looks a lot like a pig’s. It even has two of its toes connected by a web like a duck!

This amazing animal has managed to survive for millions of years. Is it any wonder the aardvark has a whole week devoted to it in March?



***NOTE: Featured in the 2006 Nov/Dec Children's Writer Newsletter***