Author: Matt Davis

Charadriiformes

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Charadriiformes are an order of birds that consists of 19 families, including; Alcidae(auks, murres, and puffins), Laridae(gulls, terns, and skimmers), and Scolopacidae(sandpipers and allies).

Physical Characteristics

This order is a varied collection of birds linked by similarities in bodily features; including their skeletons, plumage, and developmental patterns. 

A Ring-Billed Gull(Larus delawarensis) standing in water; St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Distribution and Habitat

This order is worldwide in distribution, and are found in almost every terrestrial habitat on earth, and many also occur in marine habitats.

Diet

The birds of the order Charadriiformes eat: snails, mussels, oysters, marine worms, … Continue

Common Wildebeest(Connochaetes taurinus)

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The Common Wildebeest(Connochaetes taurinus) is an African antelope that is classified in the mammalian order Artiodactyla, and the Bovidae family. The common Wildebeest is one of the most plentiful large mammals in Africa. The Common Wildebeest is more active during the morning and the late afternoon, but will rest during the hottest hours of the day. The Common Wildebeest can live up to 24 years.

 The Common Wildebeest can run up to 80km/h(50 mph). Some of the main predators of Common Wildebeest are the African Wild Dog(Lycaon pictus), The Cheetah(Acinonyx jubatus), crocodiles, hyenas, the Lion(Panthera leo), and the Leopard(Panthera … Continue

Bovidae Family

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The Bovidae family of mammals is classified in order Artiodactyla, and consists of antelope, cattle, goats, and sheep. There are about 143 different species classified in the Bovidae family.  Some Bovids have been domesticated for meat, leather, and for use as beasts of burden.

A small herd of domestic cows.

Physical Characteristics

The males of all species of Bovids have horns, However the females of certain species lack these cranial extensions.  A horn is a permanent pointed protrusion on the head of many Bovids.  Horns consist of a covering of keratin and other proteins surrounding a core of  bone.

Many … Continue

Przewalski’s Horse

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Przewalski’s Horse(Equus ferus przewalskii or Equus caballus przewalskii) also called the Takhi, Mongolian Wild Horse or Dzungarian Horse, is the last wild horse subspecies surviving in the world today. Przewalski’s Horse is classified in the mammalian order Perissodactyla, and the Equidae family.

Physical Characteristics

Length2.1-2.8 meters(6’11”-9’2”)
Shoulder Height1.2-1.5 meters(3’11”-5’3”)
Tail Length80 centimeters-1.1 meters(2’8”-3’7”)
Weight200-360 kilograms(441-794 pounds)

Distribution and Habitat

Przewalski’s Horses inhabit desert, semi-desert, and steppes of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China. Przewalski’s Horses can be found in Hustai National Park in Mongolia, and Kalameili Reserve in northern China.

Breeding

Just like all horses, the female … Continue