With its anteater’s tongue, piggish snout, and bear-like claws, the aardvark draws many easy comparisons. Its name means “earth pig” in the Afrikaans language, and it has also been called the “ant bear.” However, the aardvark is neither anteater, nor pig, nor bear. It is the only species within its order, Tubulidentata.
African wild dogs are also known as "Cape hunting dogs" or “painted dogs” for their unique mottled coats. These highly social animals share some qualities with domestic dogs, wolves, and other canines, but are not closely related to our four-legged best friends. In fact, they are in a distinct genus from domestic dogs and wolves.
With eyes on the side of its head and a powerful, hooked upper jaw, this primitive looking snapper is known as the dinosaur of the turtle world. The alligator snapping turtle is also the largest freshwater turtle.
With huge tails, powerful jaws, and a toothy grin few would trust, alligators are crocodilians, a group that includes crocodiles, caimans, and gharials. American alligators (and their cousin the Chinese alligator) have broader and rounder snouts than crocodiles.
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