In sharing these images today, I am using the common North
American names for these animals. It was interesting learning about these
animals though because, the names are not consistent. Even in North America,
the Elk is referred to a Wapiti, from the Shawnee term Wa Piti meaning
White-rumped. Also, Elk are sometimes claimed to be the same as the European
Red Deer. However, mitochondrial testing in 2004 found that the much smaller Red
Deer is a different species.[i]
To confuse matters further, in Eurasia, the Moose is called an Elk.[ii]
The Pronghorn is sometimes referred to as an antelope but it
is not a true antelope. Unlike true antelopes, the keratin sheathing on its
horns is shed and regrown annually. The pronghorn is also the only animal that
has branched horns.
The Elk and the Moose are members of the deer family, which
means they have antlers made of bone. The pronghorn and true antelope, as well
as cows, sheep and goats have horns which have a bony center covered by a keratinous
sheath.
Anyway, forget the confusion unless it helps in social
conversation and enjoy these magnificent animals.
Earthwatcher 