Deer — One of the Most Successful Animal Breeds in the World

Deer and other members of the Cervidae family can be found on every continent in the world except for Antarctica. They are considered one of the most successful animal breeds due to their high rate of survivability and their ability to evolve. The mammal’s size, color, diet, and habits are dependent on the location, weather, and terrain where they reside. There are several different species of deer, including moose, caribou, white-tailed deer, elk, reindeer (like those that pull Santa’s sleigh), and more.

The Evolution of Deer

Deer are hooved animals (also called ruminant ungulates) that make up the large Cervidae family. Ancient fossils reveal that some species existed more than 20 million years ago. Scientists believe that deer back then were small and developed over time into the animals we see today. Scientists believe there are somewhere between 40 and 50 different species and three deer types, known as Capreolinnae, Cervinae, and Hydropotinae.

Preferred Diet and Habitat of the Deer

Deer are herbivores, meaning they eat only plants, fruits, seeds, and vegetables. They are also ruminants, which means they have four-chambered stomachs that can break down and ferment plants.

Deer habitats are dependent on the conditions in which they live. They live in forests, mountainous areas, and tundras. They are most active in the early morning, though they can be spotted foraging and moving throughout all the hours of the day.

Appearance and Behavior

Most species of deer have two hooves on each of their four feet, four-chambered stomachs, long skinny legs, short tails, and a fur coat that is commonly brown, red, or gray. The males of the species grow a set of beautiful antlers that are used for animal-on-animal combat and reproduction. The bone-like protrusions make it easy to differentiate a male deer from a female, except for caribou or reindeer, as females of those species grow antlers as well.

The smallest species of deer is the pudu from South America, which stands between 13 and 17 inches tall and weighs up to 26 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum is the moose. Moose can be as long as 10 feet and weigh up to 1,800 pounds. In the middle is the most common, the white-tailed deer.

As far as behavior goes, deer are social animals that live in groups called herds. In areas with plentiful foods, a herd of deer can be quite massive. The less food available, the smaller the herd. A herd provides protection against potential predators and allows for reproduction within the group

The Long List of Deer Predators

While deer can run at speeds of up to 43 miles per hour, they still can become dinner for many predatory creatures. Their fight-or-flight instinct is typically flight, as they tend to run away from any potential threat. The mammals can also leap long distances of up to 30 feet.

Not only do deer feed meat-eating animals such as tigers, mountain lions, bears, wolves, coyotes, jaguars, and humans but also their carcasses feed birds and small mammals. For centuries, deer have been a source of food, clothing, tools, and material for humans, and that continues to this day.

Santa’s Magically Famous Reindeer

From Rudolph to Dasher and the rest of the crew, reindeer (aka caribou) are especially popular during Christmastime. They live in colder climates in Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America

In some places, a group of magical reindeer are believed to guide Santa’s sleigh through the sky, making it possible for the jolly old man to deliver gifts to all the children of the world on Christmas Eve. Santa has nine special reindeer for the special task, and, without them, many children would be disappointed on Christmas morning.

Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen. The most famous of Santa’s team is Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, whose glowing proboscis lights the way for Santa’s sleigh.

1. Deer are part of the large family Cervidae.
2. The Cervidae family consists of hooved animals with four stomachs.
3. Reindeer, the beautiful animals that pull Santa’s sleigh, are also members of the deer family.