What are they?
* Family: They belong to the family Erethizontidae.
* Size: They can vary in size, but they are generally large rodents.
* Appearance: They have a stocky body, short legs, and a thick coat of sharp quills that cover their body. These quills are modified hairs made of keratin.
* Diet: They are herbivores and their diet consists of bark, leaves, roots, and fruits.
* Habitat: They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and deserts.
* Location: Porcupines are found in North and South America, Africa, and Asia.
What are their quills for?
* Defense: Their most prominent feature is their sharp quills. These are used for defense against predators. When threatened, porcupines raise their quills and vibrate them to create a rattling sound. If a predator persists, the porcupine can detach quills which are barbed, making them difficult to remove.
* Not projectile: Porcupines cannot shoot their quills.
Interesting Facts:
* Nocturnal: Porcupines are typically nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
* Solitary: They are usually solitary animals, except during mating season.
* Good climbers: Despite their size, porcupines are surprisingly good climbers.
* Lifespan: They can live for up to 10-15 years in the wild.
Types of Porcupines:
There are two main types of porcupines:
* New World porcupines: Found in North and South America. They are typically smaller and have a shorter tail.
* Old World porcupines: Found in Africa and Asia. They are typically larger with a longer tail.
Porcupines are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations that help them survive in various environments.