Xenarthra (Noun)
Meaning
Armadillos; American anteaters; sloths.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Armadillos, along with American anteaters and sloths, belong to the superorder Xenarthra, a group of unique mammals found primarily in the Americas.
- The Xenarthra superorder is characterized by the presence of extra articulations in the backbone, which provide these animals with increased flexibility.
- Xenarthra is thought to have originated in South America over 60 million years ago, during the Paleocene epoch.
- The unique characteristics of Xenarthra, such as their specialized claws and powerful digging abilities, have allowed them to thrive in a variety of environments.
- Scientists continue to study the Xenarthra superorder to gain a better understanding of the evolutionary relationships between armadillos, American anteaters, and sloths.