Are you a crossword puzzle enthusiast? Do you find yourself stumped by clues that seem impossible to solve? Well, have no fear! In this article, we will explore the answer to a particularly tricky crossword puzzle clue: “animal whose name means earth pig in Afrikaans.”
The Earth Pig
The animal in question is none other than the aardvark. Yes, you read that correctly – the aardvark! Aardvark is derived from the Afrikaans word “aardvark,” which translates to “earth pig.” Despite its name, the aardvark is not related to pigs in any way. In fact, it is the only surviving species in its entire order, Tubulidentata.
The aardvark is a nocturnal mammal that is native to Africa. It is known for its long snout, which it uses to sniff out its favorite food – ants and termites. A typical aardvark can eat up to 50,000 insects in a single night! They also have powerful claws that they use to dig burrows in the ground where they can sleep during the day.
Interesting Facts About Aardvarks
Did you know that aardvarks are excellent diggers? They can dig a hole big enough to fit their entire body in just a matter of minutes. They also have an unusual defense mechanism – when threatened, they will quickly dig a hole and bury themselves in it, leaving only their spiky tail exposed.
Another interesting fact about aardvarks is that they are sometimes referred to as “antbears.” This is because they have a similar diet to bears and they use their long tongues to lap up ants and termites, just like bears use their tongues to eat honey.
Although aardvarks are not typically kept as pets, they have been known to form close bonds with their caretakers in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. They are also an important part of many African cultures and are featured in many traditional stories and myths.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the answer to the elusive crossword puzzle clue “animal whose name means earth pig in Afrikaans.” The aardvark may not be the most well-known animal, but it certainly has some interesting characteristics that make it worth learning about. Who knows – maybe the next time you come across a crossword puzzle clue that seems impossible, the answer will be right under your nose (or snout)!