What animal is related to the giraffe?
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the okapi
Known as the “forest giraffe,” the okapi looks more like a cross between a deer and a zebra. Nevertheless, it’s the giraffe’s only living relative.
These seven species are grouped into their own family, the Moschidae, within the Pecora and are the sister group to the Cervidae/Bovidae, so they’re more closely related to the ‘true’ deer and the cows, goats and sheep etc., than to the giraffes or the pronghorns that are also in this infraorder.
They are native to all of the continents except for Australia and Antarctica. Species in this order include: pigs, hippos, giraffes, camels, sheep, goats, bison, cows, moose, deer, and pronghorns.
Are zebras related to deer?
Ungulates include (but are not limited to) white-tailed deer, mule deer, tapir, camel, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, horse, elk, reindeer, pig, goat, sheep, caribou, bison, buffalo, musk ox, moose, pronghorn, and various antelope, gazelle and other deer species found in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Can a zebra and a giraffe mate?
is a hybrid between a giraffe and a zebra still appears to be current. Apart from the fact that hybrids between such widely different animals do not occur in nature, the okapi is essentially a giraffe in structure and fully a dozen specimens are known.
The giraffe is related to deer and cattle, but is placed in a separate family, the Giraffidae, consisting only of the giraffe and its closest relative, the okapi. The instinct of some other African animals is to stay close to the giraffe, for the giraffe’s high vantage point can see predators from far away.
Are giraffes ruminants or omnivores?
Giraffes are also members of order Artiodactyla, and are ruminants, like deer, cows, sheep, buffalo, etc. The first ruminants evolved 50 million years ago, around the same time as the earliest relatives of camels.
Where did giraffes originally come from?
While the giraffe as we know it is native to Africa, more than 20-25 million years ago their ancestors also roamed along Europe and Asia. There aren’t many fossils of them, but some information has allowed scientists to come up with some evolution theories. These ancient giraffes looked like deer…
How many species of giraffes have gone extinct?
Seven other species are extinct, prehistoric species known from fossils. The giraffe’s chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and legs, its horn-like ossicones, and its distinctive coat patterns. It is classified under the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the okapi.