What exactly is a aardvark?
The aardvark ( ARD-vark; Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. It is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata, although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known.
How are aardvarks born?
It uses a similar technique to raid underground ant nests. Female aardvarks typically give birth to one newborn each year. The young remain with their mother for about six months before moving out and digging their own burrows, which can be extensive dwellings with many different openings.
How long does an aardvark live?
Aardvarks live for up to 23 years in captivity. Its keen hearing warns it of predators: lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hyenas, and pythons.
What is a synonym for aardvark?
aardvark
- anteater.
- edentate.
- farrow.
- ant bear.
What is an ant eater called?
This similarity is the reason aardvarks are also commonly called “anteaters”; the pangolin has been called the “scaly anteater”; and the word “antbear” is a common term for both the aardvark and the giant anteater.
What’s the difference between an aardvark and an armadillo?
a nocturnal insectivorous mammal that has large claws for digging and a body covered in bony plates. Armadillos are native to Central and South America and one kind is spreading into the southern US. The aardvark ( ARD-vark; Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa.
What is aardvark related to?
It used to be thought that aardvarks were closely related to pangolins and armadillos. However, the consensus now is that their resemblance is due to their common adaptation for eating ants. The closest living relatives to aardvarks are now thought to include manatees and elephants, according to the ADW.
How do aardvark defend themselves?
Although aardvark looks like a vulnerable animal, it can defend itself when attacked using its sharp claws and strong feet. Aardvark’s claws are strong as a pickaxe. When disturbed, aardvark squeals like a pig.
How do aardvarks eat?
Aardvarks swallow their food whole, without chewing it. Instead, food is ground up in a muscular area of its lower stomach. According to IUCN, they rarely drink water and receive most of their moisture from the insects they eat.
Is aardvark edible?
There is a small number of edible animals which, for some peculiar charactertistics they present, are not affiliated in any of the mentioned categories, or are ambiguously affiliated. They are: aropi (flying squirrel), ate and ou (two species of pangolins), and igbo (aardvark).
What kind of animal is an aardvark?
Definition of aardvark : a large burrowing nocturnal mammal (Orycteropus afer) of sub-Saharan Africa that has a long snout, extensible tongue, powerful claws, large ears, and heavy tail and feeds especially on termites and ants : a large African animal that has a long nose and that eats ants and other insects
What does an aardvark mean in a dream?
Aardvark’s appearance in dreams is a powerful message to get more in touch with your thoughts and true feelings. There is a problem rattling you, but the answer is already in your heart. Note that the closer an Aardvark is to you in the dreamscape, the closer a goal or wish becomes.
Where does the word aardvark come from in Afrikaans?
Send us feedback . borrowed from early Afrikaans aardvarken (modern erdvark ), from aarde “earth” + vark “hog”; akin to Old English eorthe “earth” and to Old English fearh “young pig” — more at earth entry 1, farrow entry 1
What does it mean to be an aardvark birth totem?
Aardvark Totem people know what matters most, and they reflect on the people and situations they interact with before making any moves. With an Aardvark Birth Totem, you’re a night owl. The darkness makes you feel energized and ready for whatever life offers.