artiodactyls
Synonyms
Examples
Although the specific construction of the talus supported a close relationship between artiodactyls and cetaceans, the question of whether the even-toed ungulates are paraphyletic was not answered.
As an adaptation to the indigestible plant food, artiodactyls have some peculiarities of the digestive tract developed which are especially strong in ruminants.
Conversely, many artiodactyls have declined significantly in their population, and some were even eradicated.
Humans have introduced different artiodactyls worldwide as hunting animals.
In addition, many smaller artiodactyls have a very flexible body, contributing to their speed by increasing their stride length.
Nevertheless, artiodactyls were far from dominant at that time: the perissodactyls were much more successful and far more numerous.