Afrosoricida

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Afrosoricida is an order of insectivorous mammals that includes the families Tenrecidae (tenrecs) and Chrysochloridae (golden moles). These small to medium-sized mammals are primarily found in Africa, with tenrecs also inhabiting Madagascar. Afrosoricida is part of the superorder Afrotheria, a group that also includes elephants, sirenians (manatees and dugongs), hyraxes, and aardvarks. Despite their diverse appearances and habitats, genetic studies have supported their classification as a monophyletic group, meaning they are believed to have a common ancestor.

Description

Members of the Afrosoricida vary greatly in size and form, ranging from the tiny Least Shrew Tenrec (Microgale pusilla) to the relatively large Tailless Tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus). Their adaptations and lifestyles are equally diverse, with some species leading aquatic lives, while others are adapted to burrowing or tree-dwelling. The diet of Afrosoricida species is primarily insectivorous, although some have more varied diets that can include fruits and small vertebrates.

Habitat and Distribution

Afrosoricida species are predominantly found in Africa, with the greatest diversity in Madagascar where numerous tenrec species have evolved in isolation. Golden moles are exclusively found in sub-Saharan Africa and are adapted to a variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, and grasslands. Tenrecs, on the other hand, occupy a range of environments from tropical rainforests to arid regions.

Evolution and Systematics

The order Afrosoricida is divided into two families: Tenrecidae and Chrysochloridae. The evolutionary history of Afrosoricida is complex, with fossil records indicating that their ancestors were present on the African continent before the separation of Madagascar. This suggests that the divergence of tenrecs and golden moles occurred after the Gondwana supercontinent began to break apart.

Recent genetic analyses have reinforced the placement of Afrosoricida within the Afrotheria, a superorder that is considered one of the major clades of placental mammals. This classification has reshaped our understanding of mammalian evolution, particularly the origins and dispersal of mammals on the African continent.

Conservation

The conservation status of Afrosoricida species varies widely. Some, like certain tenrecs in Madagascar, are threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and competition with invasive species. Golden moles face threats from habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts for these species are crucial, focusing on habitat protection, research, and local community involvement to ensure their survival.

See Also

• Mammal
• Insectivore
• Madagascar Wildlife
• Conservation Status