Edentate (Noun)
Meaning
Primitive terrestrial mammal with few if any teeth; of tropical Central America and South America.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The giant anteater, a large edentate mammal, uses its tongue to gather ants and termites for food.
- Scientists have discovered a new species of edentate that lived during the Pleistocene epoch in South America.
- The armadillo is an example of an edentate mammal that has a primitive skull with few teeth.
- Edentates such as sloths and armadillos play a unique role in their ecosystems as both herbivores and insectivores.
- The unique characteristics of edentates, such as their claws and powerful shoulders, allow them to thrive in their environments.