Ungulate

A hoofed mammal, typically herbivorous, that walks on the tips of its toes, which are usually protected by hard keratin hooves. Ungulates include a wide variety of animals such as deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. These animals are well-adapted to different environments and play important roles in many ecosystems.

There are two main types of ungulates:

Even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) – These animals have an even number of toes, usually two or four. This group includes deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.

Odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyla) – These animals have an odd number of toes, like horses (one toe).

Bighorn sheep are a prime example of an ungulate adapted to rugged, mountainous terrain. They use their strong hooves and muscular legs to climb steep rock faces, allowing them to escape predators and access food in high elevations. Their hooves have a hard outer rim for gripping and a soft center for cushioning on rough surfaces—perfect for navigating desert cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Ungulates often travel in herds and graze on grasses, shrubs, and other plant material. Their movement patterns and grazing habits can shape the landscape, making them a key part of the natural balance in grasslands, forests, and deserts alike.

Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: PDF:: Weather:: :?:: glossary

Digital-Desert : Mojave Desert

Country Life Realty
Wrightwood, Ca.

Mountain Hardware
Wrightwood, Ca.

Canyon Cartography

G.A. Mercantile

Grizzly Cafe
Family Dining

Abraxas Engineering
privacy

6137