A medium-sized cervid native to North and Central America, characterized by a distinctive white underside of its tail which is raised as a warning signal when alarmed.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Diverse ecosystems including deciduous and mixed forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and forest-edge environments across North America, ranging from southern Canada to Central America.
Ecological Role
Critical herbivore in forest ecosystems, serving as prey for predators, contributing to seed dispersal, and influencing vegetation dynamics through selective browsing.
Morphology
SKIN COATReddish-brown summer coat, grayish-brown winter coat, with distinctive white underside of tail
LIMBS WINGSLong, slender legs adapted for rapid acceleration and jumping, capable of reaching speeds up to 58 km/h
HEAD SENSORYLarge ears, acute hearing, binocular vision, specialized nasal and olfactory systems for predator detection
BODY STRUCTURESlender build, approximately 0.9-1.1 m in body length, weighing 45-130 kg, with males typically larger than females
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Paul Danese
