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281 Order ARTIODACTYLA—Deer Family Cervidae Odocoileus virginianus / White-tailed Deer Order Artiodactyla TheArtiodactylaaretheeven-toedhoofedmammalsandincludeabout 240 species in 10 families, among them the pigs, peccaries, hippopotamuses , deer, giraffes, cows, antelopes and related forms, and camels. Evolution in this group has been toward large size, herbivorous diet, and rapid locomotion. The long bones of the front and hind feet, the metacarpals and metatarsals, have elongated, therefore the ankle and wrist are above the ground and the hooves are formed by the tips of the toes. The two metatarsals and metacarpals have been fused into a “cannon bone,” meaning that artiodactyls effectively have an extra segment in the legs. They walk on the tips of their toes. The herbivorous diet presents challenges in that cellulose is difficult to digest, and protein is needed for the amino acids necessary for growth and maintenance of tissues.Theteethanddigestivesystemofartiodactylsshowgreatvariation in the way the different groups have solved these problems, such as complicated patterns of grinding surfaces on the teeth. The digestive system may be elongated, the cecum enlarged, and a four-chambered stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum) has developed in the cow and other ruminants. Family Cervidae The cervids include 51 species in 19 genera, including the deer, moose, and elk. This family is best characterized by the antlers. Antlers are bony outgrowths from frontal bones, found in males of all cervids. There are no upper incisors in the upper jaw, leaving a diastema. The antlers are shed annually. They begin growth in spring and are covered with “velvet,” soft skin including blood vessels and nerves. The blood vessels carry nutrients to the antlers. The antlers mature in fall and are used in fighting or thrashing bushes. Decalcification occurs at the “pedicels” at the base of the antlers after the mating season, and the antlers eventually fall off of their own weight or by catching on brush. White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann) Distinguishing Features and Measurements: The white-tailed deer requires no extensive description, for it is such a well-known animal. It is the largest wild mammal presently in Indiana. From April to January or sometimes February, males carry antlers; those of young bucks are simple spikes on either side. Antlers on does are extremely rare. The Mammals.indb 281 3/31/10 3:12 PM 282   Species Accounts Listed by Family ears are large. The summer pelage is reddish brown above and whitish below. The winter pelage is grayer and more dense than the summer coat. Fawns molt from the second week of September through the first week of October. Newborn fawns are brownish-red above and white below with white spots over the body. These spots disappear when the first winter pelage is acquired in the fall. TL 5–7 feet, T 10–14 inches, HF 19–21 inches, Wt. 100–300 lbs Skull: Length: 270–330 (10.8–13.2"). The skull is elongate with no upper incisors or canines but with 6 molariform teeth. The orbit is completely surrounded by a bony ring. Dental Formula: I 3 C 1 P 4 M 2 = 42 3 1 4 3 Habitat:Thewhite-taileddeeroccupieswoodlands,woodlandborders, brushy areas, swamps, and agricultural land where there is adequate cover. Probably the best habitat includes a water source, mixed forest, brushy areas, some open land (croplands appear important in many sections of the state), and pine plantations. That deer are present even in counties that are intensively cultivated is an indication of the adaptabilityofthespecies ,whichoriginallywasprimarilyaforest-inhabiting animal. In parts of the former prairie region, deer frequent vegetation (weeds to trees) along drainage ditches. Food: White-tailed deer eat a wide variety of vegetable matter. Five vines—Japanese honeysuckle, poison ivy, Virginia creeper, greenbrier, and grape—are important. Deer also eat rye, wheat, green beans, cantaloupe, tomatoes, watermelons, and other cultivated plants. Crop damage by deer in Indiana has been reported on corn, soybeans, orchards ,gladiolus,melons,andinChristmastreeplantations.Deertend to feed rather hurriedly, then retire to a safer site to rest quietly. At this time, some food is regurgitated and chewed again (chewing the cud). On five southern Indiana study sites, key browse species were smooth sumac, dwarf sumac, sassafras, flowering dogwood, and red cedar. In northern areas, key browse species were aspen, staghorn sumac, smooth sumac, red osier dogwood, and soft maple. Salt is attractive to deer in many locations. The animals will travel some distance for salt and will frequent natural salt licks. Reproduction:Thematingseason(rut)ofdeeroccursmostlyinOctober and November. Gestation averages 201 days. Fawn and...

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