Artiodactyles and Perisodactyles

Differentiating Artiodactyla and Perossidactyla

Artiodactyla mammals have 2 enlarged digits on each foot that shares the body weight almost equally. Generally these mammals would have a even number of toes on their feet and with weight distribution amongst an even-number of digits. Artiodactyla have mostly lost their canine teeth due to a intense herbivorous diet. Most species of Artiodactyla have developed horns, tusks and antlers to defend themselves against predators or participate in courtship battles.

Perossidactyla mammals have 1 enlarges digit on each foot that shares the entire body weight almost equally. These mammals have an even number of digits on each foot. They are also considered hind-gut-fermenters (digesting plant cellulose in their intestines instead of the stomach). Most of these mammals are heavily built and have an elongated skull.