Although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known, it is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata.
It has a long snout, similar to that of a pig, which is used to sniff out food, unlike most other insectivores.
The aardvark is found in the southern two-thirds of the African continent, but it mainly avoids rocky or dry areas.
It is a nocturnal feeder that subsists on ants and termites, which it digs out of their hills using its sharp claws and powerful legs.
It also digs burrows to live and rear its young.
Although its numbers are decreasing, the animal is listed as "least concern" by the IUCN.
The aardvark is sometimes colloquially referred to as the "African ant bear".
The aardvark vaguely resembles a pig in appearance.
Its body is stout, sparsely covered with coarse hairs, and it has a prominently arched back.
Suitable habitats and food are available in sub-Saharan Africa, where aardvarks are found. In order to avoid the heat of the day, they spend the daylight hours in dark burrows.