elaphus species designation DNA evidence concludes that elk are more closely related to Thorold's deer and even sika deer than they are to the red deer. The previous classification had over a dozen subspecies under the C. However, mitochondrial DNA studies, conducted on hundreds of samples in 2004 from red deer and elk subspecies as well as other species of the Cervus deer family, strongly indicate that elk, or wapiti, should be a distinct species, namely Cervus canadensis. Until recently, red deer and elk were considered to be one species, Cervus elaphus. The extinct Irish elk ( Megaloceros) was not a member of the genus Cervus, but rather the largest member of the wider deer family (Cervidae) known from the fossil record. Members of the genus Cervus (and hence early relatives or possible ancestors of the elk) first appear in the fossil record 25 million years ago, during the Oligocene in Eurasia, but do not appear in the North American fossil record until the early Miocene. (The name "Siberian elk" is used for Alces alces ssp. There is a subspecies of elk in Mongolia called the Altai wapiti ( Cervus canadensis sibiricus), also known as the Altai maral. This name is used in particular for the Asian subspecies (Altai wapiti, Tian Shan wapiti, Manchurian wapiti and Alashan wapiti), because in Eurasia the name elkcontinues to be used for the moose.Īsian subspecies are sometimes referred to as the maral, but this name applies primarily to the Caspian red deer ( Cervus elaphus maral), a subspecies of red deer. The name wapiti is from the Shawnee and Cree word waapiti, meaning "white rump". The word elk is related to the Latin alces, Old Norse elgr, Scandinavian elg/ älg and German Elch, all of which refer to the animal known in North America as the moose. ![]() elaphus are the former's wider rump patch and paler-hued antlers.Įarly European explorers in North America, who were familiar with the smaller red deer of Europe, thought that the larger North American animal resembled a moose, and consequently gave it the name elk, which is the common European name for moose. Key morphological differences that distinguish C. It was long believed to be a subspecies of the European red deer ( Cervus elaphus), but evidence from a number of mitochondrial DNA genetic studies beginning in 1998 indicate that the two are distinct species. Elk are hunted as a game species the meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines. Some cultures revere the elk as a spiritual force. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely through vaccination, have had mixed success. Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. Their great adaptability may threaten endemicspecies and ecosystems into which they have been introduced. ![]() Males also engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling (sparring), and bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.Īlthough native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, including Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |