Pecora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pecora |
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| Pronghorn antelope | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Suborder: | Ruminantia |
| Infraorder: | Pecora Flower, 1883 |
| Subgroups | |
* Giraffidae * †Climacoceratidae
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Pecora is a special group of animals called ruminants. These are hoofed mammals that chew their cud. The word "Pecora" comes from Latin and means "horned livestock." Most animals in this group have either horns or antlers.
Contents
What are Pecora?
Pecora are a suborder of mammals. They are known for having special stomachs with four chambers. This helps them digest tough plant material like grass and leaves. They first appeared about 50 million years ago.
Horns vs. Antlers
One of the most interesting things about Pecora is their headgear. Most of them have either horns or antlers. But what's the difference?
- Horns: These are permanent. They grow from the skull and are made of bone covered by a layer of keratin, which is the same material as your fingernails. Animals like cows, goats, and antelopes have horns. They don't shed them.
- Antlers: These are usually found on male deer. Antlers are made entirely of bone and grow each year. After the breeding season, deer shed their antlers. New ones grow back the next year, often bigger than before.
There are a few Pecora that don't have horns or antlers. For example, some types of musk deer do not grow them.
Where Pecora Live
Pecora animals live all over the world. You can find them in many different habitats. They live in forests, grasslands, mountains, and even deserts. Their ability to digest tough plants helps them survive in many places.
Examples of Pecora
The Pecora group includes many animals you might know.
- Deer (Cervidae): This family includes animals like white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. They are famous for their antlers.
- Cattle and Goats (Bovidae): This is a very large family. It includes cows, sheep, goats, buffalo, and many types of antelopes. These animals typically have horns.
- Giraffes and Okapis (Giraffidae): These tall animals are also Pecora. They have unique horn-like structures called ossicones. These are covered in skin and fur.
- Pronghorn (Antilocapridae): The pronghorn, found in North America, is unique. It has horns that are shed each year, like antlers. But they are true horns because they have a bony core.
Their Diet and Lifestyle
Pecora are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Their special digestive system allows them to get a lot of nutrients from plants. They often graze on grasses or browse on leaves and twigs.
Many Pecora live in herds. Living in a group helps them stay safe from predators. They can warn each other of danger and work together to protect their young.
See also
In Spanish: Pecora para niños
