Chordate Zoology - Textbook - Y. V. Tsaryk - 2013

Chapter 5. SUPERCLASS TETRAPODS (LAND VERTEBRATES) TETRAPODA, seu QUADRIPEDA.

ANAMNIOTES (ANAMNIA) AND AMNIOTES (AMNIOTA)

5.4. CLASS MAMMALS, OR BEASTS, MAMMALIA, seu THERIA

5.4.4. Taxonomy and Characteristics of Representatives of the Major Orders of the Class Mammalia

5.4.4.2. Subclass Theria

5.4.4.2.13. Order Hyracoidea (hyraxes, Procaviiformes)

It comprises six species of small size, resembling tailless marmots, with a body length of 30-60 cm. The forelimbs have four digits, and the hind limbs are three-toed with rudimentary hooves. The bare soles feature unique suction pads for gripping rocks and tree trunks. The moistened epidermis of the soles provides greater frictional resistance. Evolutionarily, they are closely related to proboscideans. They are herbivorous, inhabiting Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Only four species are known, among which the rock hyrax Procavia capensis is the most widespread (Fig. 5.74, 24).



Last update: 19/08/2026

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