Category: Animals

This category is dedicated to animal related topics

Icon Of The North: Muskox

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The Muskox(Ovibos moschatus)  is a hoofed mammal that is found in arctic regions. Muskoxen are classified in the mammalian order Artiodactyla, and the Bovidae family. Muskoxen live in herds(groups of hoofed mammals) of up to 50 individuals. When Muskoxen are threatened by predators the adults of the herd will encircle the young to protect them.

Physical Characteristics

Muskoxen are thickset Caprines with big heads, short necks, and short, chunky legs. Their coat is made up of durable guard hair with a soft, thick layer underneath called qiviut, which they shed in the summer. Both males and females have horns that bend … Continue

Atlantic Puffin(Fratercula arctica)

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The Atlantic Puffin(Fratercula arctica), also known as the Common Puffin is a species of seabird that is classified in the avian family Alcidae. Atlantic Puffins occur across the North Atlantic from Canada to Norway and south to Spain.

Physical Characteristics

The Atlantic Puffin has a large bill, and webbed feet that help it swim. The average measurements for the Atlantic Puffins are 28 cm(11 inches) long, 430 grams(15 ounces), and have a wingspan of 55 cm(1 foot, 10 inches).

Length 26-29 cm(10″-11″)
Wingspan47-63 cm(1’7″-2’1″)
Weight310-550 g(11 oz. to 1.2 lbs.)

Distribution and Habitat

Atlantic Puffins occur … 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.

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 Bovids are classified in a suborder … Continue