Equidae
Equidae
Equidae (pronounced: eh-kwi-dee) is a family of mammals in the order Perissodactyla, commonly known as the horse family. The family includes modern horses, zebras, and asses, as well as their extinct relatives.
Etymology
The term "Equidae" comes from the Latin equus meaning "horse" and the suffix -idae which is used to denote a family in taxonomic classification.
Taxonomy
The family Equidae belongs to the order Perissodactyla, which also includes the families Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceroses) and Tapiridae (tapirs). The Equidae family is further divided into two subfamilies: Equinae (horses and related species) and Hippotigrinae (zebras).
Characteristics
Members of the Equidae family are characterized by their long legs, which are adapted for speed; a single functional toe on each foot; and their teeth, which are adapted for grinding grass and other vegetation.
Species
The Equidae family includes several extant (currently living) species, such as the domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus), the zebra (Equus zebra, Equus quagga, and Equus grevyi), and the ass (Equus africanus and Equus hemionus). There are also numerous extinct species, which are known from fossils.
Related Terms
- Perissodactyla: The order to which Equidae belongs.
- Equus: The genus that includes horses, zebras, and asses.
- Equinae: A subfamily of Equidae that includes horses and related species.
- Hippotigrinae: A subfamily of Equidae that includes zebras.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Equidae
- Wikipedia's article - Equidae
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