What is the Difference Between Pronghorn and Deer?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Pronghorn and deer are both ungulates, but they belong to different taxonomic families and have several distinct differences. Some of the key differences between pronghorn and deer include:
- Family: Pronghorn are the only living member of the family Antilocapridae, while deer belong to the family Cervidae.
- Horns vs. Antlers: Male pronghorn have permanent horns that grow around a bony, skin-covered core, while deer have antlers that they shed and grow every year.
- Size: Pronghorn are generally smaller than deer, standing roughly three feet high at the shoulder.
- Range: Pronghorn are native to the open prairies of western North America, including Canada and Mexico, while deer have a larger range, inhabiting various habitats throughout the world, except for Antarctica.
- Speed: Pronghorn are known for their exceptional speed, capable of sustaining speeds of 55 mph for half a mile and speeds approaching 45 mph for much longer distances.
- Habitat: Deer can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from tundra to tropical rainforests, while pronghorn primarily live in grasslands.
- Facial Glands and Scent Glands: Deer have facial glands to produce pheromones, while pronghorn have scent glands on their head.
Comparative Table: Pronghorn vs Deer
Here is a table comparing the differences between pronghorn and deer:
| Feature | Pronghorn | Deer |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 75-85 pounds for does, 120-140 pounds for bucks | Varies depending on species and age |
| Trachea Size | Larger, about the size found in an elk weighing 750-800 pounds | Smaller |
| Trachea Filter | Present, prevents foreign-body pneumonia | Not present |
| Diet | Forbes, shrubs, grasses, and cacti, including many toxic to livestock | Varies depending on species and habitat |
| Predators | Bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and golden eagles | Varies depending on species and location |
| Lifespan | Commonly reach 10 years, can live up to 15 years | Varies depending on species and environment |
| Breeding Season | Mid-September | Varies depending on species |
| Migration | Longest migration of any land mammal in the lower 48 | Varies depending on species and habitat |
| Top Speed | Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 55 mph | Varies depending on species |
| Day or Night Activity | Diurnal, active only during daylight hours | Varies depending on species and environment |
| Tracks | No dewclaw, distinguishing their tracks from deer | Dewclaw present |
| Water Requirements | Need to drink at least once, if not twice a day | Varies depending on species and habitat |
| Habitat | Great Plains, wide-open spaces | Varies depending on species and location |
Pronghorn and deer have several differences in their physical features, behavior, and habitat preferences. Some key distinctions include their weight, trachea size and filter, diet, and migration patterns.
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