Caribou
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Caribou (pronunciation: /ˈkærɪbuː/), also known as reindeer in Europe, is a species of deer native to Arctic, Subarctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of northern North America, Siberia, and Europe. This species is part of the deer family, Cervidae, and the genus, Rangifer.
Etymology
The word "caribou" comes from the Mi'kmaq word qalipu, meaning "snow shoveler", in reference to the animal's habit of pawing through the snow for food. In Europe, the species is known as "reindeer", which is derived from the Old Norse word hreinn, meaning "deer".
Description
Caribou are large, robust animals with long legs and a distinctive, shovel-shaped antlers. They have a thick coat of fur that helps them survive in harsh, cold environments. The color of their fur can range from white to brown, depending on the season and the individual's age and sex.
Behavior
Caribou are known for their long-distance migrations, traveling further north during the summer months to take advantage of the abundant food and returning south in the winter. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on a diet of lichens, mosses, and other vegetation.
Related Terms
- Cervidae: The family of deer, which includes caribou.
- Rangifer: The genus of deer that includes the caribou.
- Mi'kmaq: A First Nations people in Canada, from whose language the word "caribou" is derived.
- Tundra: The type of habitat in which caribou are commonly found.
- Herbivore: An animal that feeds on plants, like the caribou.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Caribou
- Wikipedia's article - Caribou
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