The Xenarthra are an order of the mammals consisting of the armadillos, anteaters, and sloths. "The Biology of the Xenarthra "is the first authoratative study of the Xenarthra in a generation. The volume features an impressive group of international scholars who explore the current biology and ecological status of these mammals in each of the geographic regions they inhabit. Many of these populations reside in developing countries, and before now, information on these species has been scarce. Topics cover a wide array of issues including genetics, physiology, behavior, ecology, and conservation. Discussions range from paleontological perspectives on xenarthran evolution to both lab and field-based studies of living species. Contemporary research in areas such as genome sequencing and leprosy in armadillos is also included.

Sergio F. Vizcaino is a professor of vertebrate zoology at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata and associate researcher in the Division Paleontologia de Vertebrados, Museo de La Plata, Argentina.

W.J. Loughry, professor of biology at Valdosta State University, is author of a number of scientific papers on armadillos and is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of Mammals.