Gazelles and antelopes are both herbivores belonging to the Bovidae family, but they have some key differences. Here are the main differences between gazelles and antelopes:
- Size: Gazelles are generally smaller than antelopes. For example, a Thompson gazelle weighs around 66 pounds, while some antelope species can weigh over 2000 pounds.
- Horns: Most gazelle species have horns for both males and females, while in many antelope species, only males have horns.
- Appearance: Antelopes are usually brown-colored with white or pale bellies and a dark lateral stripe. Gazelles, on the other hand, are typically light, fawn-colored with white underparts or rump patches and a dark stripe.
- Stotting: Gazelles are known to display a behavior called stotting, where they move slowly before bolting vertically into the air when startled by a predator. This behavior is not as common in antelopes.
In summary, gazelles are a subset of antelopes, and while they share some similarities, they have distinct features in terms of size, horns, appearance, and behavior.
Comparative Table: Gazelle vs Antelope
Here is a table comparing the differences between gazelles and antelopes:
Feature | Gazelles | Antelopes |
---|---|---|
Size | Generally smaller | Larger, more diverse |
Weight | Around 24 to 35 kg | Varies, up to 2200 pounds |
Height | 24 to 28 inches | 6 feet and up |
Horns | Both genders have them | Primarily males have horns |
Stotting | Yes | No |
Speed | Can reach 60 mph | Can reach 70 mph |
Coat Coloration | Light, fawn-colored with white underparts or rump patches and a dark stripe | Brown-colored dorsal side, white-colored central side, with variants of grey, black, and white stripes |
Face Markings | Dark stripes on the face | Varying facial markings with contrasting facial colors |
Gazelles are generally smaller and faster than antelopes, with both genders having horns. They also display a behavior called stotting, which is not seen in antelopes. Antelopes, on the other hand, have a broader size range and more diverse appearances, with primarily males having horns.
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