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
Camelidae
Family
Cervidae
Subfamily
Capreolinae
Family
Bovidae
Subfamily
Bovinae
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