Males have internal testes and a small penis with no glands. The extinct edentates, which were much more diverse than the living edentates, are believed to have been mostly unspecialized herbivores. They were probably outcompeted by newer, more adaptive, invading species. The success of modern edentates was due to occupation of relatively narrow niches. New invaders were not in direct competition.
Edentates move slowly over small home ranges.
Females attain sexual maturity at 2-3 years and breed once a year. They produce small precocious litters and invest much of their energy into raising young. Defense against predators is usually passive and primarily depends on cryptic camouflage. Edentates may try to flee from a predator, but they are more likely to stand their ground and strike with their sharp claws. Social activities of edentates utilize olfactory cues.