Antelope
Antelope
Antelope (/ænˈtɛloʊp/) is a term referring to many even-toed ungulate species indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia. Antelopes comprise a wastebasket taxon (miscellaneous group) within the family Bovidae, encompassing all species that are not cattle, sheep, buffalo, bison, or goats.
Etymology
The word "antelope" comes from the Greek word "antholops", which was used to describe a mythical, horned beast.
Description
Antelopes are a diverse group of typically elegant, ruminant species. Most are found in Africa, but others occur in Asia. Antelopes range greatly in size, from the tiny royal antelope to the large eland.
Behavior
Antelopes have a wide range of behaviors. Most are diurnal (active during the day) but some are nocturnal. They are typically herbivorous, with diets that include grasses, leaves, shoots, and, occasionally, fruits.
Species
There are many species of antelope, including the springbok, the gazelle, the impala, and the kudu.
Related Terms
- Bovidae: The family that includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned mammals.
- Ruminant: A type of mammal that digests plant-based food by initially softening it within the animal's first compartment of the stomach, principally through bacterial actions, then regurgitating the semi-digested mass, now known as cud, and chewing it again.
- Ungulate: A diverse group of large mammals, most of which use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight while moving.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antelope
- Wikipedia's article - Antelope
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