Chinchillidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ChinchillidaeTemporal range: late Oligocene – Recent
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Chinchilla brevicaudata | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: |
Hystricomorpha
|
| Infraorder: |
Hystricognathi
|
| Parvorder: |
Caviomorpha
|
| Superfamily: |
Chinchilloidea
|
| Family: |
Chinchillidae
Bennett, 1833
|
The Chinchillidae family is a group of amazing animals that includes chinchillas and viscachas. These furry creatures live only in southern and western South America, often high up in the Andes mountains. They are a type of large rodent, weighing from about 800 grams (like a small bag of sugar) up to 8 kilograms (like a big house cat!). Chinchillidae animals have strong back legs for jumping and big ears. They are also known for their super thick and soft fur.
Contents
What are Chinchillidae?
The Chinchillidae family is made up of several types of rodents. They are known for their soft fur and their homes in the Andes mountains. These animals are quite large for rodents. They can weigh anywhere from less than a kilogram to up to 8 kilograms.
Where Do They Live?
Chinchillidae animals are found only in South America. You can spot them in the southern and western parts of the continent. Many species live in the high Andes mountains. This means they are used to cold, rocky environments.
Special Features of Chinchillidae
These animals have some cool features.
- Strong Legs: They have powerful hind legs. These legs help them jump and move quickly over rocky ground.
- Big Ears: Their large ears help them hear very well. This is important for listening out for predators.
- Thick Fur: One of their most famous features is their incredibly thick and soft fur. This fur helps keep them warm in cold mountain climates.
Types of Chinchillidae
There are different kinds of chinchillidae animals alive today. Scientists also know about some types that are now fossils.
Living Chinchillidae
Today, we recognize three main groups of living Chinchillidae:
- Chinchillas: These are the well-known chinchillas. They are small and have very dense fur.
- Mountain Viscachas: Called Lagidium, these look a bit like rabbits with long tails. They live in rocky mountain areas.
- Plains Viscachas: Known as Lagostomus, these viscachas live in the flat grasslands. They are known for digging burrows.
Ancient Chinchillidae
Scientists have also found fossils of older Chinchillidae. These fossils help us understand how the family has changed over millions of years. Some of these ancient relatives include:
- Eoviscaccia
- Pliolagostomus
- Prolagostomus
See also
In Spanish: Chinchíllidos para niños
