This is a crazy group, having all the members of Pilosa (Sloths and Anteaters), plus Armadillos!

It’s a collection of highly specialized species, both in diet and lifestyle. Some are hairy some carry armour. Some only live in trees, some bury themselves for sleeping.

The name Xenarthra means “unusual joints“. This refers to their spine and other bone structures which are different to other mammals. Also, their teeth are different and the reproductive organs are organised differently. Then they have single-colour vision and one of the lowest metabolism rates.

So all in all, they are very special!