![]() ![]() ![]() In contrast, the plane of symmetry in perissodactyls (i.e., odd-toed ungulates) runs down the third toe. This pattern has earned them their name, Artiodactyla, which means "even-toed". The third and fourth digits, however, remain large and bear weight in all artiodactyls. In all species, the number of digits is reduced by the loss of the first digit (i.e., pollex), and many species have second and fifth digits that are reduced in size. ( Grzimek, 1990 Grzimek, 2003 Nowak, 1999)Īrtiodactyls are paraxonic, that is, the plane of symmetry of each foot passes between the third and fourth digits. Height ranges from 5 m in giraffes to 23 cm in lesser Malay mouse deer. Body mass ranges from 4000 kg in hippos to 2 kg in lesser Malay mouse deer. As would be expected in such a diverse group, artiodactyls exhibit exceptional variation in body size and structure. Although the majority of artiodactyls live in relatively open habitats, they can be found in all habitat types, including some aquatic systems, and are native to every continent, excluding Australia and Antarctica. They are the fifth largest order of mammals, consisting of 10 families, 80 genera, and approximately 210 species. Artiodactyls are the most diverse, large, terrestrial mammals alive today. ![]()
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