Answer #1

The deer belongs to a large herd of browsing or grazing ruminants found in different parts of the world. Some common species of the deer family are sambar, moose, elk and the white tailored species. It may be difficult to differentiate between the mentioned species as they have more similarities than differences. They however have some notable differences as mentioned below.

The residents of North America can only identify with the white-tailed deer species, just like am going to share with you in this article. Nonetheless, white-tail species belong to the pride of deer.

Both animal species share many similarities as they are all ruminants, which means they have a fully four-chambered belly that facilitates digestion of any plant cover. In addition to that, both species often mate when males lose their body weight by attempting to find as many mates as possible.

Baby elk and baby deer are normally born during the spring and are characterized by white spots on their body that disappear after first winter. On the other hand, the males grow a pair of antlers on an annual basis during summer and spring.
Here are ways to differentiate between the two animal species:

1. Morphology
An adult male elk can weigh between 700-800lbs and are 7 feet long and 6 feet tall. Females are slightly smaller as they only weigh about 500lbs. The elk is completely covered with brown coat to provide warmth during winter. Males also have thick hair on their droopy noses and large necks.
A mature dear weighs about 300lbs and females rarely weigh more than 150lb. A deer has a height of around 3 feet and is 7 feet long. Their body is characterized by reddish tinged coat that turns to gray during winter.
2. Nutrition
Elk typically feed on grasses found in areas with large woodlands.
A deer is a grazer as they feed on leaves and grasses, as well as legumes.

Answered By: daniel [554 ]