What anatomical feature is specifically designed for the aardvark to quickly excavate insect nests?
Answer
Powerful, shovel-like claws
The aardvark is equipped with exceptionally powerful claws that are specifically structured and adapted to act like shovels. These tools are necessary because they must dig rapidly and effectively through hard earth to expose subterranean insect nests. This digging capability is a cornerstone of its lifestyle, enabling it to access the rich, protected food sources that form its staple diet. While the tongue retrieves the insects, the claws perform the crucial preliminary task of breaking through the soil and the structural defenses of the nests themselves.
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