Difference between revisions of "Musk ox"
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| − | The '''muskox''' (''Ovibos moschatus'') is a large land [[mammal]] of the [[Arctic]], especially [[Siberia]] and northern [[Canada]]. It resembles a | + | The '''muskox''' (''Ovibos moschatus'') is a large land [[mammal]] of the [[Arctic]], especially [[Siberia]], [[Alaska]] and northern [[Canada]]. It superficially resembles a small [[bull]] or [[ox]], but is more closely related to the [[goat]]. The Muskox subsists on a diet primarily made up of lichens and [[sedge]]s, which grow low to the ground in its [[tundra]] environment. The is covered in shaggy brown hair, with an undercoat of qiviut, a light weight and very insulative fiber.<ref>http://www.muskoxfarm.org/</ref> The insulation provided by this layer prevents the muskox from running a great deal because they overheat. The musk ox can be grown as far south as Oregon but must be protected from predators to avoid heatstroke. The muskox uses its hooves and horns to scrape away the snow that covers its food in the winter. <ref>http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/musk-ox.html</ref> |
[[Category:Ruminants]] | [[Category:Ruminants]] | ||
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Revision as of 00:51, February 17, 2011
The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is a large land mammal of the Arctic, especially Siberia, Alaska and northern Canada. It superficially resembles a small bull or ox, but is more closely related to the goat. The Muskox subsists on a diet primarily made up of lichens and sedges, which grow low to the ground in its tundra environment. The is covered in shaggy brown hair, with an undercoat of qiviut, a light weight and very insulative fiber.[1] The insulation provided by this layer prevents the muskox from running a great deal because they overheat. The musk ox can be grown as far south as Oregon but must be protected from predators to avoid heatstroke. The muskox uses its hooves and horns to scrape away the snow that covers its food in the winter. [2] <reference/>