Animals develop many different kinds of adaptations that help them to survive in their particular environments. Sometimes animals develop long necks or long legs and sometimes long tongues. It is this last category that we’re looking at in this article, animals with long tongues
PANGOLINS
Pangolins are the only mammals fully covered in scales, making them look like reptiles. These animals have tongues that are longer than their body and head combined. On average, pangolins are around 21 inches in body length with tongues around 14 inches long. However, some pangolin tongues can extend over 15.5 inches.
GIRAFFES
With their long necks and legs, giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world. It is not surprising that they also have long tongues around 21 inches in length. They use their height and long tongues to their advantage. Their tongue has also evolved to have added protection.
ECHIDNAS
Echidnas are toothless mammals, also known as spiny anteaters. They grow to an average of 12 to 19 inches in body length, with 2 to 3-inch snouts. Their long tongues are typically at least 5 inches long, which is about two-fifths of the length of their body.
GIANT ANTEATERS
For land mammals, giant anteaters contain the longest tongue. With body lengths between 72 and 96 inches, their tongues averaging 24 inches measures a third of their body size. As their name suggests, the giant anteater’s main diet is ants. However, they also eat termites.
TIGER
Tigers are apex predators and the largest feline species worldwide and have tongues averaging 7 to 9 inches long. Their tongues have a rough surface with bristles on them, called papillae. These sharp, small bristles act as a comb when they lick their own fur.