Edentates (Xenarthrans)
Order Xenarthra (a.k.a
Edentata)
Xenarthrans, also known as edentates,
comprise a small group of some of the more unusual mammals. They are, for
the most part, insectivores and herbivores, and are either terrestrial or
arboreal in nature. They are found in the warmer climates of South America
and North America, being found in Mexico and southern US in North America.
Edentates usually lack incisors or canines, and of those that have them
their molars lack enamel. Their teeth are held in by a single root each.
Edentates have small brains. Anatomically, they have between 5-9 cervical
vertebrae, whereas most other mammals have 7. Today, there are 29 species
in 4 families; according to the fossil record there were at one time 12
families comprised of animals such as glyptodonts and giant ground sloths.
The present-day families are:
..Dasypodidae
(armadillos) 20 spp
..Myrmecophagidae
(anteaters) 4 spp
..Bradypodidae
(3-toed sloths) 3 spp
..Megalonychidae
(2-toed sloths) 2 spp
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