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How does a numbat use its tongue to feed on ants and termites?
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marsupial
Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). The home range of this species spans much of Australia's interior, and it is the largest member of the family Macropodidae.
The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a specialized marsupial that feeds primarily on termites and ants. To consume its prey, the numbat utilizes a remarkable, long, and sticky wormlike tongue, which it uses to lap up the insects.12
While the numbat possesses small teeth, its primary adaptation for feeding is this specialized tongue, which allows it to efficiently extract termites from their environment. Additionally, the numbat uses its strong-clawed forefeet to dig into the ground to access its food sources.13