Hoofwalkers

Ungulates are a group of mammals whose legs rest on the tips of one or two toes when running (ungulates). This group includes animals such as horses, donkeys, zebras, deer, antelopes, giraffes, buffalos, bison, cows, sheep, goats and others.

In hoof walkers, the last phalanges of the toes are covered with keratinized skin that forms the hoof. Thanks to their hooves, these animals can run quickly on hard ground. The hooves protect the tips of the toes from damage and wear. Hoofed walkers can be either herbivores (most species) or omnivores or carnivores.

Different species of hoofed animals have their own structural features of legs and hooves, adapted to their environment. For example, camels have wide, elastic pads on their feet that allow them to walk on sand. Reindeer have cloven hooves with sharp edges for good traction on snow and ice.

Overall, ungulates are a very diverse and successful group of mammals, widely distributed on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. Many species are of great importance to humans.