Ungulate

Ungulates are a diverse group of large mammals that are most commonly associated with hoofed animals. Most terrestrial ungulates use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight while moving. The term means, roughly, "being hoofed" or "hoofed animal".

Classification

Ungulates are typically herbivorous and many employ specialized gut bacteria to allow them to digest cellulose, as in the ruminants. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, from jungles to deserts.

Ungulates include such diverse forms as the horse, rhinoceros, and deer. Most terrestrial ungulates use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight while moving.

Evolution

The earliest ungulates evolved during the late Paleocene, shortly after the dinosaurs died out. However, ungulate taxonomy has been in flux and the recent discovery of several new intermediate forms has given rise to a new phylogenetic tree.

Characteristics

Ungulates are typically herbivorous (though some are omnivorous, such as pigs), and many employ specialized gut bacteria to allow them to digest cellulose, as in the ruminants. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, from jungles to deserts.

See also

• Even-toed ungulate
• Odd-toed ungulate
• Paenungulata
• Altungulata
• Meridiungulata

References

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External links

• Ultimate Ungulate