Solenodons diverged from all other living mammals about 78 million years ago.

The Hispaniolan solendon has a ball-and-socket joint at the base of its snout, similar to a human shoulder joint.

Solendons are one of only a few venomous mammals. Other venomous mammals, like the duck-billed platypus, are only capable of passively conveying venom; the solenodon actually injects its venom like a snake through specially modified teeth.

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