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Insectivora, order of MAMMALS containing 7 living families: SHREWS (Soricidae), MOLES (Talpidae), hedgehogs (Erinaceidae), tenrecs (Tenrecidae), otter shrews (Potamogalidae), golden moles (Chrysochloridae) and solenodons (Solenodontidae). There are approximately 350 living species, widely distributed in Africa, Eurasia, N America and northern S America. The 22 species found in Canada belong to the Talpidae and Soricidae. Description Generally, insectivores are small, ranging in size from 2 g (Etruscan shrew, Suncus etruscus, the world's smallest mammal) to about 1.5 kg (moon rat, Echinosorex gymnurus). Insectivores demonstrate primitive characteristics, although some (eg, moles) show adaptations to highly specialized ways of life. They are plantigrade (eg, walk on sole and heel) and have 5 clawed toes on each foot. The nose tends to be pointed and tubular; eyes and ears are generally small. The tail may be long or greatly reduced. The skull is primitive in form, with a low brain case and a small cranial cavity containing a brain with smooth cerebral hemispheres. The teeth are adapted for crushing or cutting. Although insectivores primarily eat INSECTS, some species are omnivorous. Evolution Many, perhaps all, other orders of placental mammals evolved from the early insectivores. The order has been traced back to the Cretaceous (144.2-65 million years ago) in Asia and N America. Ancestors of shrews can be traced back to the Oligocene (34-23.7 million years ago) in Europe and N America; those of the males to the late Eocene (about 40 million years ago) in Europe.
Author
C.G. VAN ZYLL DE JONG
Suggested Reading
C.G. van Zyll de Jong, Handbook of Canadian Mammals I, Marsupials and Insectivores (1983).
Links to Other Sites
Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.
Entomological Society of Canada
Find out what entomology is all about and browse an extensive collection of colourful insect photographs at this Entomological Society of Canada website.
Biological Survey of Canada:Terrestrial arthropods
A comprehensive, illustrated survey of the biology and distribution of Canada’s insect species. From the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Butterflies North and South
Learn about the natural history of Canadian butterfly species and planting butterfly gardens at this extensive Virtual Museum website.
The Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes
This website provides information about the scope and contents of the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Check the “Index” link for illustrated descriptions of various taxonomic groups.
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