Fig. 362.—Giant Kangaroo.
The kangaroo (Fig. [362]), like the opossum, gives birth to imperfectly developed young. (Kinship with what classes is thus indicated?) After birth, the young (about three fourths of an inch long) are carried in a ventral pouch and suckled for seven or eight months. They begin to reach down and nibble grass before leaving the pouch. Compare fore legs with hind legs, front half of body with hind half. Describe tail. What is it used for when kangaroo is at rest? In jumping, would it be useful for propelling and also for balancing the body? Describe hind and fore feet. Order ——. Why? ________. See key, page [193].
Imperfectly Toothed Mammals.—These animals live chiefly in South America (sloth, armadillo, giant ant-eater) and Africa (pangolin). The sloth (Fig. [363]) eats leaves. Its movements are remarkably slow, and a vegetable growth resembling moss often gives its hair a green colour. (What advantage?) How many toes has it? How are its nails suited to its manner of living? Does it save exertion by hanging from the branches of trees instead of walking upon them?
Fig. 363.—Sloth of South America.
Fig. 364.—Giant Ant-eater of South America. (See Fig. [354].) Find evidences that the edentates are a degenerate order. Describe another ant-eater (Fig. [360]).
Fig. 365.—Nine-banded Armadillo of Texas and Mexico. (Dasypus novemcinctus.) It is increasing in numbers; it is very useful, as it digs up and destroys insects. (See Fig. [347].)