Aardvarks were originally categorized as relatives of
American anteaters in the order Edentata. However, their unique teeth structure and other morphological characteristics made it clear that aardvarks are not closely related to any other living mammals. Since the end of the 19th century, the aardvark has been placed in a separate order, Tubulidentata. Both the fossil record and genetic studies have corroborated that separate status. All similarities to American anteaters have evolved independently as adaptations to eating ants and termites. One of the most distinctive features of the animals is that their teeth have a "tubulidentate" microstructure, lacking enamel, and are rounded structures of dentine. They lack incisors and canines, and have 20–22 teeth, which are unrooted,
diphyodont, and continuously grow. Another unique trait is that their small
milk teeth are lost before the animal is born. A few anatomical characters unite the Orycteropodidae and Tubulidentata. The
occipital region of the skull has extensive
mastoid exposure, the
femur has a pectineal tubercle, and the
diaphysis of the
tibia is curved
mediolaterally. Modern aardvarks are polygynous, the females providing care for the young. They are territorial, and only cross paths to breed. The males' genitals create a musk while females create this musk from glands in their elbows, this scent helps mating occur. The gestation period lasts about seven months, and they are dependent upon the mother until they are six months of age, becoming sexually mature at two years of age. Breeding occurs once a year, they produce one offspring, and will have maybe one to two more in their lifetime. Aardvarks are
myrmecophagous, feeding almost exclusively on termites and ants. They rely on their sense of smell to find most of their food and hunt at night. == Classification ==