Difference Between Deer and Reindeer

Video Difference between deer and reindeer Main difference between deer and reindeer is Deer are adapted to mild climates while reindeer are adapted to cold climates. Both deer and reindeer are hoofed mammals of the family Cervidae. Reindeer are the second largest deer species. In most deer species, the male deer only carry antlers. In reindeer, however, both male and female deer carry antlers.

Main areas covered

Contents

1. Deer – Definition, Habitat, Characteristics 2. Reindeer – Definition, Habitat, Characteristics 3. Similarities Between Deer and Reindeer – Summary of general features 4. What is the difference between deer and reindeer? – Compare key differences Key terms: Antlers, Deer, Fur, Habitat, Hoof, Reindeer

Deer – Definition, Habitat, Characteristics

Deer are hoofed, herbivorous or browsing animals with multi-branched and bony antlers usually borne by males. Deer inhabit grasslands, savannas and various forest types (tropical or deciduous, temperate, coniferous and mixed forests) throughout the world except Australia and Antarctica. The most common deer species is the white-tailed deer. The elk is the largest type of deer. The smallest deer is Southern pudu. The male deer is called Bucket while the children are called do. Male elk and reindeer are called bulls while their females are called cows. Figure 1 shows a white-tailed deer, only deer with antlers. Antlers are the fastest growing tissue on earth. They grow from spring to fall. While growing, the villi on the antlers fall off in the fall. Velvet is a soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels. It is very sensitive. The Chinese water deer have no antlers. Antlers fall off in winter. Figure 2 shows a velvet deer. Reindeer are very sensitive to sound. They hear higher frequencies of sound than humans. The deer’s brown coat provides an adaptation of camouflage to hide in the woods.

Reindeer – Definition, Habitat, Characteristics

The reindeer is a type of large-horned deer that lives in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is also known as reindeer. It is the second largest type of deer. Reindeer are adapted to live in cold regions of the world such as the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, in the mountainous regions of Northern Europe, in Siberia and North America. Due to its association with Santa Claus, reindeer are famous during the Christmas holiday. Figure 3 depicts a male reindeer Because reindeer live in cold regions, they have wide, forked hooves to easily navigate the snow. In addition, their nose consists of specialized culvert bones. These bones create more space inside the nostrils, warming the incoming air. The reindeer living in the Arctic have white fur.

Similarities Between Deer and Reindeer

Deer and reindeer belong to the family Cervidae.
Both are hoofed mammals with four legs.
Both have antlers. The villi on the antlers shed once a year.
Both are herbivores and are hunted by humans and bears.
They are social animals that live in groups.
Both can be tamed.

Difference between deer and reindeer

Definition

Deer: Deer are hoofed, herbivorous or browsing animals with branched, bony antlers usually produced by males.Reindeer: The reindeer is a type of large-horned deer that lives in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Species

Deer: About 90 speciesReindeer: The second largest deer; there are about ten subspecies

Found in

Read more: Useful information about positive displacement pumps | Top Q&ADeer: Found on all continents except Australia and AntarcticaReindeer: Found in polar and polar parts of Europe, North America and Asia

Habitat

Deer: Lives in grasslands, savannas and various forest types (tropical or deciduous, temperate, coniferous and mixed forests)Reindeer: Lives in deep forests and tundra

Type of climate

Deer: Adapted to a temperate climateReindeer: Adapted to cold climates

Foot

Deer: Have long and thin legsReindeer: Having long and stocky legs when discovered

Hooves

Deer: Sharp hoovesReindeer: Wide, split hooves for walking on snow

Size

Deer: Southern Pudu, the smallest species weighs 20 pounds. The elk, the largest species, weighs almost 1000 pounds.Reindeer: Middle size; weighs about 180-400 pounds

Density of feathers

Deer: Has less bushy furReindeer: Has a high hair density

Hair color

Deer: Coat color depends on the species Read more: What is an “unborn” and how do you celebrate it?Reindeer: Coat color depends on habitat

gauze

Deer: Only stags have velvetReindeer: Both male and female reindeer have antlers

Velvet size

Deer: Has long, split, pointed antlersReindeer: Have large antlers relative to body size; upper and lower scores are organized into separate groups

Diet

Deer: Eat twigs, fruits, leaves, grass and lichensReindeer: Eats birch, leaves, mushrooms, lichens and mosses; eggs, fish and sometimes small rodents

Hunting

Deer: Hunted by humans, bears, wolves, cougars and vulturesReindeer: Hunted by humans and bears

Domestication

Deer: Can be tamedReindeer: Tamed for milk and transportation

Inference

Deer are adapted to mild climates while reindeer are adapted to cold climates. Reindeer are the second largest deer species. They have wider hooves and denser coats than other deer species. Both males and females of reindeer have larger antlers than other deer. The main difference between deer and reindeer is the type of habitat they used to live in. “Deer.” The Sweat Workshop and Child Labor, available here. 2. Bradford, Alina. “The Truth About Reindeer.” LiveScience, Purch, September 28, 2016, available here. Image Courtesy: 1. “White-tailed deer” USDA photo by Scott Bauer (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia2. “Rocky Mountain Elk with antlers in velvet” By MONGO – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia3. “Caribou” by Dean Biggins (US Fish and Wildlife Service) – US FWS, PUBLIC REFERENCES, WO3772-023 (Public Domain) via Commons WikimediaRead more: What happened to brother Thomas