The History of hedgehogs
Hedgehogs have developed and changed into multiple different species from their long period of time existing on Earth. In fact, it is believed that hedgehogs have roamed the planet for about fifteen million years, "making the Erinaceidae family the oldest living insectivore" (Animal-World).
Evolution of african pygmy hedgehogs
The African Pygmy Hedgehog evolved from a number of organisms. One is the Litolestes. This mammal is accountable for the hedgehog's current size and shape. When fossils of this mammal are compared to a hedgehog's skeleton, many homologous structures can be examined. Another evolutionary species is the Deinogalerix. This species is possibly the most similar species to the hedgehog, supporting its history of evolution. The only main difference between this species and the African Pygmy Hedgehog is that it lacked spines. In place of these structures existed only hair. It is evident that the hedgehog adapted from this lack of protection to increase the lifespan. In the clade below are species that are similarly connected to the hedgehog (which can be found next to number 3.4).
ancestry
Hedgehogs share common ancestors with those spaced closely on the clade above. These include the shrew, the armadillo, and the bat. Armadillos share the ability to curl in a ball while shrews and hedgehogs share many similar physical qualities. When comparing the African Pygmy Hedgehog to a bat, some hedgehogs are born with abnormally large ears, congruent to those of a bat, as seen in the picture below: