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The scientific name of Deer is Cervidae (Family). Deers are hoofed, ruminant, even-toed ungulates that typically belong to the order Artiodactyla and class Mammalia. The family of Cervidae mainly comprises two groups, which are Cervinae and Capreolinae. The members that belong to the subfamily Cervinae are also known as Old World Deers. Deers are generally native to all continents, with the exclusion of Antarctica and Australia.
Read More: Scientific Name of Camel
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Key Terms: Cervidae, Kingdom, Scientific Name, Cervinae, Capreolinae, Genus, Taxonomy, Phylum
Scientific Name of Deer
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The scientific name of Deers is Cervidae (family). Deers, which are ruminant, even-toed, hoofed mammals, belong from the order Artiodactyla. Thee deer family generally comprises of almost 43 species of hoofed ruminants.
Deer
They are known for their two large and two small hooves on either foot. The males of most species have antlers, while it is found in the females of one species. The deer family, Cervidae, typically consists of two primary groups, which are:
- Cervinae
- Capreolinae
Cervinae
The members of the subfamily Cervinae are also known as Old World Deers. The member of Cervinae typiically have an ankle structure that differs from Capreolinae, which is why they are called Plesiometacarpal Deer. The subfamily Cervinae consists of:
- Muntjac (genus Muntiacus)
- Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus)
- Persian deer (Dama mesopotamica)
- Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii)
- Chital (Axis axis)
- Fallow deer (Dama dama)
- Red deer (Cervus elaphus): elk (C. elaphus canadensis)
- Sambar (Rusa unicolor)
- Sika (Cervus nippon)
The subfamily Cervinae can be further divided into two tribes:
- Cervini – True Deers
- Muntiacini – Muntjacs
Capreolinae
The members belonging to the subfamily Capreolinaea are also widely known as New World Deers. The subfamily, Capreolinaea, typically have an ankle structure different than the Cervinae. Thus, they are also known as Telemetacarpal Deer. Most members belonging to this group are found in North and South America. Only about four species out of the twenty-two are located in Eurasia. They are further divided into four tribes, which are:
- Alceini: Moose/ Elk
- Capreolini: Roe Deers
- Rangiferini: Caribou and Reindeer
- Odocoileini: New world deer
Also Check: Taxonomic Hierarchy of Plants and Animals
Classification of Deer
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Deers can be further classified into:
| Type | Classification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cervidae |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Gestation period | 222 Days (Reindeers) |
| Higher Classification | Pecora |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
Characteristics of Deer
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There are several characteristics of Deer. Some of them include:
- Deers are naturally herbivores that feed on grass foliage, leaves, sedges, shrubs and trees. They also majorly consume lichens in winter in regions of the northern latitudes.
- True deers are generally larger in size and have bigger antlers as opposed to Muntjacs.
- Deers typically possess very strong muscles in their legs which also allow them to walk 40 miles per hour and a leap of almost 10 feet.
- Deers generally have a very good sense of hearing.
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Previous Year Questions
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Things to Remember
- The scientific name of deer is Cervidae (Family).
- Deers are herbivores and generally feed on shrubs, grass foliage, and more.
- Deers are known as hoofed, ruminant, even-toed ungulates which are from the order Artiodactyla and class Mammalia.
-
The deer family, Cervidae, compirses of two primary groups: Cervinae and Capreolinae
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Sample Questions
Ques. What features in deers help them detect the presence of predators? [3 marks]
Ans. The characteristic features which help deers detect the presence of predators are:
- The long ears present in deers helps them detect predator movement.
- Deers have eyes on the side of its head which helps them see every direction.
- Deers have thin legs which aids them to run faster than their predators.
Ques. What is scientific name of the white-tailed deer? [2 marks]
Ans. The scientific name of the white-tailed deer is Odocoileus Virginianus. It is also widely called the whitetail or Virginia deer, and is a typical medium-sized deer. The white-tailed deer is native to North America, Central America, and South America (Peru and Bolivia).
Ques. What are the two subspecies of the Cervidae (Deer) family? [2 marks]
Ans. The deer family, Cervidae, mainly contains two primary groups:
- Cervinae
- Capreolinae
Ques. What is diet and nutrition of the deer family? [1 mark]
Ans. Deers generally feed on grass, shrubs, trees, sedges and more. They are herbivorous in nature.
Ques. What is the scientific name of Deer? [1 mark]
Ans. The scientific name of Deer is Cervidae (family).
Ques. What is the higher classification of deer? [1 mark]
Ans. The higher classification of deer is Pecora.
Ques. What are the subfamily of Cervinae? [2 marks]
Ans. The subfamily Cervinae can be classified as:
- Cervini – True Deers
- Muntiacini – Muntjacs
Ques. What are the members of Capreolinaea subfamily called? [1 mark]
Ans. The members of the Capreolinaea subfamily are also known as New World Deers.
Ques. Write a note on the Capreolinaea subfamily. [3 marks]
Ans. The Capreolinaea subfamily have an ankle structure that mainly varies from the Cervinae. This is why they are also called telemetacarpal deer. Most of the members that are found in this group can be largely located at North and South America both. Only about 4 species of the 22 are seen in Eurasia. This subfamily can be bifurcated into 4 tribes, which are:
- Alceini – Moose/ Elk
- Capreolini – Roe Deers
- Rangiferini – Caribou and Reindeer
- Odocoileini – New world deer
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