I am researching a few animals for a scientific taxonomy and earth's biodiversity paper, and I am having trouble with one area... I chose the nine-banded armadillo and I need to answer this question....To what order does the mamal species you selected belong? Describe why it is classified under that order.

Thank you for looking at my question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine-banded_Armadillo

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cingulata.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/748576/Cingulata

To determine the order to which the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) belongs, we can follow a step-by-step process. Here's how:

1. Start by identifying the higher taxonomic ranks: species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, and kingdom. In this case, we are focusing on the order.

2. Look for reliable sources of scientific information such as scientific journals, university websites, or reputable naturalist organizations. These sources often provide taxonomic classifications for various species.

3. Search for the scientific name of the nine-banded armadillo. In this case, "Dasypus novemcinctus" is the correct scientific name for the species.

4. Once you have the scientific name, search for the taxonomic hierarchy or classification of the species. This information will typically include the order to which the species belongs.

For the nine-banded armadillo:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Cingulata
- Family: Dasypodidae
- Genus: Dasypus
- Species: novemcinctus

Therefore, the order to which the nine-banded armadillo belongs is "Cingulata."

As for why the nine-banded armadillo is classified under the order Cingulata, it is because the characteristics and traits of this mammal species align with the defining characteristics of animals in this order. Cingulata is a small order that includes only armadillos. Members of this order are characterized by their protective armor-like covering made up of bony plates, known as "scutes." They also have strong claws on their forelimbs, which they use for digging burrows or searching for food, and a leathery outer covering. In terms of their diet, nine-banded armadillos are insectivorous, consuming a variety of invertebrates, including ants, beetles, and termites. These shared characteristics place them within the order Cingulata.