Afrosoricida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afrosoricida |
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| Tailless tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Superorder: | Afrotheria |
| Order: | Afrosoricida Stanhope et al., 1998 |
| Suborders | |
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Chrysochloridea |
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Afrosoricida is a special group of mammals. This group includes two main types of animals: the tenrecs and the golden moles. Most of these animals live in Africa.
Even though tenrecs might look like hedgehogs and golden moles look like moles, they are not closely related to them. Scientists have studied their DNA. They found that Afrosoricida are a unique group of mammals. They are different from other insect-eating animals.
Contents
Afrosoricida: Meet These Unique Mammals
Afrosoricida is an order of mammals. This means it is a big group of animals that share common features. The name "Afrosoricida" comes from Africa, where most of these animals live. It also relates to shrews, though they are not directly related.
Tenrecs: The Hedgehog Look-alikes
Tenrecs are part of the Afrosoricida order. They live mainly on the island of Madagascar. Some tenrecs look a lot like hedgehogs. They have spiny coats and can roll into a ball for protection. Other tenrecs look more like shrews or opossums. They come in many shapes and sizes.
Golden Moles: Digging Experts
Golden moles are the other main group in Afrosoricida. They are found in southern Africa. These animals are amazing diggers. They have strong claws and shovel-like front paws. Golden moles live underground in tunnels. They have shiny, golden fur. This fur helps them move smoothly through the soil. Their eyes are covered by skin. This protects them while digging.
Why Are They Special?
Scientists once thought tenrecs and golden moles were related to other insect-eating mammals. These included shrews and moles. But modern DNA studies showed something different. They found that Afrosoricida are not closely related to these other animals. Instead, they are part of a very old group of African mammals. This makes them a unique branch on the mammal family tree.
Some scientists use the name Tenrecomorpha for this group. But many agree that Afrosoricida is a better name. It helps show their unique place in the animal kingdom.
See also
In Spanish: Afrosorícidos para niños
