Aardvark

A nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous mammal of the genus Orycteropus in the order Tubulidentata. Id feeds upon termites and ants, like the anteaters. It averages 6 ft in length, is covered with short, sparse hair, and resembles a pig in many respects. Thus it is commonly called the earth pig.
The aardvark is structurally modified or adapted to its diet of ants. This is especially true of the dentition in the adult, which lacks canines and incisors. Their only teeth are 20 crushing or cheek teeth in a series of 5 upper and 5 lower teeth on both sides of the jaw. These teeth, which do not have roots or enamel, continually grow throughout the life of the animal, have the appearance of tubelike structures of dentine, and are the basis for the ordinal name Tubulidentata. The short, stout, powerful forelimbs terminate in flat claws, which ensnout. The long tongue extends up to 18 inc from the mouth, and is tubular and sticky.
Some disagreement exists as to the number of species of this sole extant genus. The Cape aardvark (Orycteropus afer) ranges throughout south and southeast Africa. The Ethiopian or Northern aardvark, which may be the same species, is found in northeast Africa. The aardvark is edible and economically important for its hide, which is quite thick and resembles pigskin. (Charles B. Curtin)