What is the purpose of an anteater's claws?

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The large, sharp claws on the forefeet are weapons of defense and are used to open the hard earth mounds of termites and ants, which are then picked up on the saliva-coated tongue.

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Similar questions: How do the long, sharp claws on the anteater's forefeet help the animal eat? How do anteaters use their claws? [ Hide these questions ]

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