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.

https://www.msu.edu/~nixonjos/armadillo/dasypus.html

http://virtualology.com/virtualmuseumofnaturalhistory/halloftaxonomy/kingdomanimalia/xenarthra.com/

To determine the order to which the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) belongs, we need to consult a reliable source on taxonomy and classification. One such source is the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), which is a widely accepted authority on taxonomy.

To find the order of the nine-banded armadillo, you can follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser and go to the ITIS website (https://www.itis.gov/).
2. In the search bar, type "nine-banded armadillo" and press enter or click the search icon.
3. From the list of search results, select the entry that corresponds to the scientific name "Dasypus novemcinctus."
4. On the species page, you will find information about the taxonomy and classification of the nine-banded armadillo, including its order.

According to ITIS, the nine-banded armadillo belongs to the order Cingulata.

Cingulata is an order of armored placental mammals that includes various species of armadillos. The reason for classifying the nine-banded armadillo under this order is its characteristic anatomical features and evolutionary history.

Armadillos in the Cingulata order are known for their unique armor-like skin consisting of bony plates. They have a specialized skeletal structure and a protective carapace that acts as a defense mechanism against predators. The nine-banded armadillo, like other armadillos, possesses these key physical traits, which are defining characteristics of the Cingulata order.

Additionally, the placement of the nine-banded armadillo in the order Cingulata is supported by genetic studies that demonstrate its evolutionary relationship with other armadillo species within the same order.

By following these steps and consulting a reliable source like ITIS, you can confidently determine the order of the nine-banded armadillo and provide a detailed description of why it is classified under that order for your taxonomy and biodiversity paper.