Octodonts Definition

Octodonts, also known as octodontid rodents, are a family of rodents primarily found in South America. They are characterized by their specialized dental and masticatory apparatus, and many species have thick, rubbery skin with a glandular secretion that may serve as a pheromone or to protect against predators. The most distinctive feature of octodonts is the presence of six incisors, including a pair in the lower jaw where a third incisor is typically present in other rodents.