Camelids are members of the biological family Camelidae. Camels, dromedaries, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas are examples of this group. Camelids are large animals with slender necks and long legs and are strictly herbivorous. They have a three-chambered rather than a four-chambered digestive tract, an upper lip that is split in two with each part separately mobile. They do not have hooves, rather a two-toed foot with toenails and a soft foot pad. The main weight of the animal is borne by these tough, leathery sole-pads. The South American camelids, adapted to steep and rocky terrain, can move the pads on their toes to maintain grip.

 

Author: Mason S.

Published: 10/2008

 

Photo Credits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Suri-alpaca.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camel_seitlich_trabend.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vicunacrop.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Llama,_peru,_machu_picchu.jpg