Camelids
Camelids
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, but are not ruminants. 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.
Camelids tend to be large and are strictly herbivorous, but are not ruminants. 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.