ARTIODACTYLA

The name for this order of mammals, ARTIODACTYLA designates the even-number of digits, which is a major feature of the families in this order, distinguishing them from the PERISSSODACTYLS (zebras, horses, asses). Most living artiodactyls are herviborous, the plants eaten ranging from lichens, in the Arctic tundra, to fruits and tubers in the forests. Most domestic animals are members of this order. The third and fourth digits are of about equal in size, the bulk of the animal's weight passing between the two. The second and fifth digits are reduced in size or are absent. The first digit is absent. Metatapodials of the third and fourth digits may be fused into the cannon bone . All digits terminate in hoofs. Cheek teeth occur in all families. Upper incisors are absent in Ruminants. Upper canines are frequently lost or reduced in size. The digestive tract varies in size and complexity, relating to the vegetable diet.

Artiodactyls are native to all parts of the world's land surface except Antartica, oceanic islands and the Australian region.


Family Suidae

Family Tayassuidae

Family Camelidae

Family Cervidae
Subfamily Capreolinae

Family Bovidae
Subfamily Bovinae

Subfamily Caprinae

 

 





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