Aardwolves are indeed related to hyenas. They belong to the same subfamily, Hyaenidae, which also includes the spotted hyena, striped hyena, and brown hyena. This means that aardwolves share a common ancestor with these other hyena species, although they have evolved to have distinct characteristics and behaviors.
One of the key features that aardwolves share with other hyenas is their unique body structure. Like all hyenas, aardwolves have front legs that are longer than their back legs. This adaptation allows them to have a loping, low-energy gait that they can sustain for long distances. It also helps them in their hunting strategies and enables them to cover large areas in search of food.
Despite their shared ancestry, aardwolves differ from the other hyena species in several ways. For instance, while spotted hyenas and striped hyenas are known for their powerful jaws and ability to take down large prey, aardwolves have much weaker jaws and primarily feed on insects, particularly termites. In fact, termites make up the majority of their diet, and they have specialized adaptations, such as a long, sticky tongue and reduced teeth, to facilitate feeding on these small creatures.
Another noticeable difference between aardwolves and other hyenas is their appearance. Aardwolves are much smaller and more slender in comparison. They have a yellow-gray fur with vertical black stripes on their body, which helps them to blend in with their grassland habitat. This striped pattern is also seen in the brown hyena, but it is not as prominent in the other hyena species.
In terms of behavior, aardwolves are generally more solitary and less aggressive than their hyena relatives. They typically live in monogamous pairs or small family groups, and they mark their territories with scent markings. Unlike spotted hyenas, which are known for their social hierarchy and communal living, aardwolves are more secretive and elusive, preferring to avoid confrontations with other animals.
Aardwolves are indeed related to hyenas. They belong to the same subfamily, Hyaenidae, and share a common ancestor with spotted hyenas, striped hyenas, and brown hyenas. However, aardwolves have evolved unique characteristics and behaviors that distinguish them from the other hyena species. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the diversity within the hyena family and the remarkable adaptations that have allowed each species to thrive in their respective environments.