Bovid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bovids |
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Bovidae
Gray, 1821
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Bovids are a family of even-toed ungulate mammals. The word "Bovidae" is comes from Latin bos, "ox". Even-toed ungulates are said to have "cloven hooves": that means their hooves are formed from two toes. They evolved early in the Miocene period.
There 143 living species in this family. They include cattle, goats, sheep and antelopes. The family is widespread, living in all continents except the southern continents South America, Australia and Antarctica.
They are all ruminants, with the double stomach system of digesting vegetation, which is most efficient. The family originated in the Miocene, and is now very successful. Their success is probably helped by their digestive system. The group includes the three domestic animals cows, sheep and goats.
Taxonomy
- Family Bovidae
- Subfamily Aepycerotinae (one genus: the impala)
- Subfamily Alcelaphinae (one tribe and four genera: wildebeest and relatives)
- Subfamily Antilopinae (three tribes and 15 genera: gazelles and relatives)
- Subfamily Bovinae (three tribes and ten genera: cattle, bisons etc.)
- Subfamily Caprinae (three tribes and 13 genera: goats and sheep)
- Subfamily Cephalophinae (three genera: duikers)
- Subfamily Hippotraginae (three genera: antelopes)
- Subfamily Panthelopinae (the Tibetan antelope)
- Subfamily Peleinae (the grey rhebok)
- Subfamily Reduncinae (two genera: more antelopes)
Images for kids
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Skull of Eotragus sansaniensis, a species of the ancient bovid genus Eotragus
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Bovids have unbranched horns.
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The gemsbok has conspicuous markings on its face, which conceal the eye, and on its legs. These may have a role in communication.
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American bison skeleton (Museum of Osteology)
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Dental pad of a domestic bovid: Note the absence of upper incisors and canines and the outward projection of the lower teeth.
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Blackbuck antelopes
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A Gayal bull from India and Burma
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Blue wildebeest fighting for dominance
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Bovids are herbivores, feeding on grass, foliage, and plant products.
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Juvenile sheep (lamb) near its mother
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Eland occur in grasslands of Africa.
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Merino wool is the most valued, with great fineness and softness.
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Drinking horn made by Brynjólfur Jónsson of Skarð, Iceland, 1598
See also
In Spanish: Bóvidos para niños
