Bookmarkable URL:http://hdl.handle.net/10217/53743
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Family:Bovidae
Genus:Ovibos
Genus species:Ovibos moschatus
even-toed ungulate
Muskox
Ovibos
Bovidae
Ruminants
Artiodactyla
Ungulates
Mammals
Vertebrates
Chordata
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Family:Bovidae
Genus:Ovibos
Genus species:Ovibos moschatus
Animal Characteristics
Head-Body Length:180-245 cm (including tail)
Height:110-145 cm
Weight:350-650 kg
Identification:The coat of the musk ox is black with a lighter saddle and front. Its hair is dense and long. Both sexes have long, curving horns.
Habitat:Arctic tundra near glaciers
Diet:Herbivore: grasses, sedges, reeds
Reproduction:Musk oxen breed in mid-August. After a gestation period of 8-9 months, a single calf is born in May or June. Weaning occurs at one year of age.
Social Structure:Musk oxen are very social animals. They can be found in mixed groups (males and females) with more than 100 individuals. During the summer before mating season, a dominant bull will drive all of the other males out of the group.
Behavior:If threatened, a group of musk oxen will form a circle and face the predators, with the calves inside the circle for protection.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:Musk oxen are used by the Inuits for their hides, meat, and horns. Their name comes from the strong odor that males emit during breeding.
Height:110-145 cm
Weight:350-650 kg
Identification:The coat of the musk ox is black with a lighter saddle and front. Its hair is dense and long. Both sexes have long, curving horns.
Habitat:Arctic tundra near glaciers
Diet:Herbivore: grasses, sedges, reeds
Reproduction:Musk oxen breed in mid-August. After a gestation period of 8-9 months, a single calf is born in May or June. Weaning occurs at one year of age.
Social Structure:Musk oxen are very social animals. They can be found in mixed groups (males and females) with more than 100 individuals. During the summer before mating season, a dominant bull will drive all of the other males out of the group.
Behavior:If threatened, a group of musk oxen will form a circle and face the predators, with the calves inside the circle for protection.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:Musk oxen are used by the Inuits for their hides, meat, and horns. Their name comes from the strong odor that males emit during breeding.
Other Information
Geographic:Northern North America Date:1973-07 Subjects:Musk oxeven-toed ungulate
Muskox
Ovibos
Bovidae
Ruminants
Artiodactyla
Ungulates
Mammals
Vertebrates
Chordata