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English Task

Factual Report

Name

: N. Fery Sutha Erawan

Number

:26

Class

: XI Mia 8

SMA NEGERI 1 SINGARAJA


TAHUN AJARAN 2014/2015

Armadillos
Armadillos are small placental mammals that measure between 13 - 150 centimetres
and weigh between 85 grams - 54 kilograms depending on species.
The largest is the Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus) at 89 centimetres in length
of which a third is its tail, weighing typically 28 kilograms and dark brown in colour and the
smallest is the Pink Fairy Armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus) at 90 - 115 millimetres in
length and pink/pale rose in colour. Other species measure somewhere in between and can be
coloured black, red, grey or yellow. Some Armadillos can be distinguished by the number of
bands that are present on their armor.
An Armadillos armour is made from dermal bone which is covered in small, overlapping epidermal scales called 'scutes'. Their under parts are covered in soft skin and fur.
Armadillos have very sharp claws which they use to dig for food and to make their burrows
with. Although Armadillos have under-developed vision, they rely heavily on their acute
sense of smell for seeking out insects and other prey.
Just like Anteaters, Armadillos have a very long, sticky tongue used by them to
capture ants and termites. They have short, stout legs with 5 clawed toes on their hind feet
and 3 - 5 clawed toes on the forefeet. Armadillos have a large number of peg-like cheek teeth
which they use to crush the exoskeletons of insects. They have pointed snouts, small eyes and
small ears.
Armadillo Habitat
Armadillos have a wide variety of warm habitats depending on species. Habitats can
range from tropical rainforests to grasslands, dry deserts and savannas. Armadillos do not like
cold weather because of their low metabolic rate and their lack of fat stores.
Armadillo Diet
Most Armadillos are omnivores. Different Armadillo species have different diets.
Some eat insects, grubs, plants, fruit and small invertebrates, however, a majority feed
entirely on ants and termites (formicivorous). Armadillos usually forage for food in the early
mornings and evenings.
Armadillo Reproduction
Depending on species, the gestation period of the female Armadillo can last anywhere
between 60 - 120 days. In some species such as the Nine-banded Armadillo, delayed
implantation occurs where by the young are not born until 8 months after mating takes place.
This aids their ability to colonize new areas. Female Armadillos give birth to 4 identical
infants of the same sex, which is not known of any other animal. All 4 infants develop from
the same egg and share the same placenta. Infant Armadillos do not have armour, instead they
have a soft leathery skin which hardens as it grows. Infants are weaned at around 10 weeks.
Between 3 - 12 months armadillos reach sexual maturity at. The life span of an Armadillo is
around 15 years in captivity.
Armadillo Conservation Status
Armadillos are classed as a 'Threatened' species except for the Nine-banded Armadillo
whose population is expanding. Major threats are habitat loss and over-hunting. Armadillo
flesh is consumed in the Americas by some cultures.

Conclusion

Armadillos are small placental mammals that measure between 13 - 150 centimetres
and weigh between 85 grams - 54 kilograms depending on species.
Armadillos have a wide variety of warm habitats depending on species. Habitats can range
from tropical rainforests to grasslands, dry deserts and savannas.
Most Armadillos are omnivores. Different Armadillo species have different diets. Some eat
insects, grubs, plants, fruit and small invertebrates, however, a majority feed entirely on ants
and termites (formicivorous).
Armadillos are solitary, mostly nocturnal animals that do not share their burrows with other
adult Armadillos.
Depending on species, the gestation period of the female Armadillo can last anywhere
between 60 - 120 days. In some species such as the Nine-banded Armadillo, delayed
implantation occurs where by the young are not born until 8 months after mating takes place.
This aids their ability to colonize new areas. Female Armadillos give birth to 4 identical
infants of the same sex, which is not known of any other animal. All 4 infants develop from
the same egg and share the same placenta.
Armadillos are classed as a 'Threatened' species except for the Nine-banded Armadillo
whose population is expanding. Major threats are habitat loss and over-hunting. Armadillo
flesh is consumed in the Americas by some cultures.

Picture

Glossary

a. Distinguished

: standing above other in character or attainment or

reputation

b. Banded
c. Forage
d. Burrow

: Having bands or stripes of contrasting color or texture.


: food for animals
: A hole or tunnel dug in the ground by a small animal, such as a rabbit or
mole, for habitation or refuge.

e.

Armor

: A defensive covering, as of metal, wood, or leather, worn to protect the

References
Anonymous.(2015). Armadillo. Retrieved from
http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/armadillo.html

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