Gourt > Science > Biology > Flora and Fauna > Animalia > Chordata > Mammalia > Artiodactyla > Camelidae
The four llamas and two camels are camelids: members of the biological family Camelidae, the only family in the suborder Tylopoda.
Camelids are even-toed ungulates: they are classified in the Artiodactyla order. Other suborders of Artiodactyla include pigs, peccaries and hippos (suborder Suidae) and the extraordinarily successful and diverse suborder Ruminantia (which includes cattle, goats, antelope and many others).
Camelids tend to be large and are strictly herbivorous. Camelids differ from ruminants in several ways. They have a three-chambered rather than a four-chambered digestive tract; an upper lip that is split in two with each part separately mobile; an isolated incisor in the upper jaw; and uniquely among mammals, elliptical red blood cells. They have long legs that, because they lack tensor skin to bridge between thigh and body, look longer still. They do not have hooves, rather a two-toed foot with toenails and a soft footpad (Tylopoda is Latin for "padded foot"). The main weight of the animal is borne by these tough, leathery sole-pads. The South American camelids, adapted to steep and rocky terrain, can move the pads on their toes to maintain grip. The two Afro-Asian camel species have developed extensive adaptations to fit them to life in harsh, near-waterless environments. Wild populations of the bactrian camel have even adapted to drink brackish water, and some herds live in nuclear test areas. Camelids are unusual in that their modern distribution is almost a mirror-image of their origin. Camelids first appeared very early in the evolution of the even-toed ungulates, around 45 million years ago during the late Eocene, in present-day North America. The family diversified and prospered but remained confined to the North American continent until only about 2 or 3 million years ago, when representatives arrived in Asia, and (after the formation of the Isthmus of Panama) South America.
More on [ Camelid ]
Camelids :: Livestock
Camels :: Mammals
Llamas :: Mammals
Labyrinthus Camelidae http://www.meave.org/Site/blog/Entries/2008/5/8_Labyrinthus_Camelidae.html#
Luis29Angel (Luis Angel Soriano) Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:47:20 -0000
Labyrinthus Camelidae http://www.meave.org/Site/blog/Entries/2008/5/8_Labyrinthus_Camelidae.html#
Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) - General information and photos.
Bactrian Camel - Alaska Zoo - History, vital statistics, habitat, food, behavior and conservation. Photo of Boris, their Bactrian camel.
Meta Description: [ The Alaska Zoo exhibits wildlife of the Arctic and sub-Arctic in a natural setting for the recreational
enjoyment and educational enrichment of both Alaskan residents and visitors to the state ]
Bactrian Camel - Animal Info - Biology, ecology, habitat, status, information on their native countries: biodiversity, ecosystems, population, and land use.
Meta Description: [ Biology, ecology, habitat, and status of rare, threatened and endangered species of mammals and information on their native countries: biodiversity, ecosystems, population, and land use ]
Bactrian Camel - theBigZoo.com - Camelus bactrianus facts, photos, and message board.
Meta Description: [ Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) facts, photos and videos. ]
Camelidae - Biology and taxonomy of the camel family from the Animal Diversity Web.
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