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Ungulates
Reference Sheet
Hoofed mammals are called ungulates. Ungulates are seperated into two groups; artiodactyla, and
perissodactyla.
Common Characteristics:
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Typically large-bodied, herbivorous and terrestrial
Reduced number of toes (less than 5)
o Long bones in foot
Large, rotating ears; good hearing
Good sense of smell and eyesight
Artiodactyla: Even-toed ungualtes
 2 or 4 toes
 Diverse group composed of 196 spp. (Antelope, cattle, goats, giraffe, camel)
 Found in diverse habitats
 Unable to digest plant cell walls
o Complex, chambered stomach
o Rumination; regurgitates and rechews food
 Slow digestion; utilizes more nutrients
Perissodactyla: Odd-toed ungulates (Equids, rhinos, tapirs)
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1 or 3 toes
Group composed of equids, rhinoceros and tapirs
More vocal than even-toed ungulates, and posses more complex facial muscles
Eats large amounts of low quality food
o Simple stomach; hindgut fermentation
o Digests food quickly
 Absorbs fewer nutrients
3/31/2016
Ungulates
The Maryland Zoo
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