What is the difference between reindeers and deers

Reindeer inhabits boreal forests and tundra. It moves across the snow and ice with ease thanks to its wide, split hooves. Northern pudu is the smallest species of deer that weighs only 20 pounds, while moose, the largest type of deer, can reach nearly pounds of weight.

Reindeer is medium to large deer that can reach to rarely up to pounds of weight. Reindeer has very thick fur whose color depends on the season, habitat and geographic distribution. Northern populations of reindeer have lighter-colored fur compared with southern populations of reindeer.

Deer have less dense fur compared with reindeer and its color is the same in all areas color of the fur doesn't change with geographic location. Unlike other species of deer, reindeer has special turbinate bones in the nasal cavity whose main purpose is to warm the cold air which it inhales.

Both male and female reindeer have antlers, while only male deer have antlers. Reindeer have very large antlers relative to the body size with upper and lower points of antlers organized in two separate groups. Deer have long, forked and pointed antlers which are used in ritual fights and to attract attention of females deer with large antlers are stronger and healthier than deer with small, asymmetrical antlers.

Reindeer usually consumes lichens, moss, leaves of willow and birch and mushroom. Reindeer: Lives in boreal forests and tundra. Reindeer: Has long, stumpy legs that click every time they spot. Reindeer: Wide, split hooves that help to move across the snow.

Deer: Southern Pudu, the smallest species weighs 20 pounds. Moose, the largest species weighs nearly pounds. Reindeer: Medium in size; weighs around pounds. Reindeer: The fur color depends on the habitat. Reindeer: Both male and female reindeer have antlers. Reindeer: Has large antlers in comparison to the body size; the upper and lower points are organized into separate groups.

Deer: Eats twigs, fruit, leaves, grass, and lichens. Reindeer: Eats birch, leaves, mushrooms, lichens, and moss; eggs, fish and sometimes small rodents. Deer: Hunted by humans, bears, wolves, cougars, and vultures. Reindeer: Domesticated for milk and transportation. Deer is adapted to moderate climates while reindeer are adapted to cold climates.

They have wider hooves and dense fur than other deer. Both males and females of reindeer have antlers that are bigger than other deer. The main difference between deer and reindeer is the type of habitat they used to live.

Bradford, Alina. Figure 2: Antlers. Figure 3: Male Reindeer. Reindeer have special hooves and noses, adapted to the colder climates they live in. Their noses have turbinate bones that give them extra nostril space. Thus, the incoming cold air is warmed before getting into the lungs. The hooves are adapted both to summer months, when they become sponge-like for more traction on the frequented grounds, and to winter, when the pads shrink and tighten.

The rim of the hoof becomes exposed and serves to cut the ice and keep the animal from slipping. The fur of the animal varies according to its species and location. The reindeer living closer to Arctic regions have whiter fur. Another particularity of the reindeer is the fact that their knees click and that this is a sound which can be heard from far away. The bigger the animal, the louder the click is. This is also a way to show dominance of larger reindeer over smaller specimens of the species.

Usually, reindeer consume lichens, moss, birch, mushrooms and leaves. In times of scarcity though, they are known to eat fish, eggs and small rodents. In their turn, since they are big animals and they travel in very big herds, the reindeer can only be attacked if singled out and by a very large animal like a bear.

However, once again, humans are the ones benefitting the most off these animals. They are hunted or bred and used for transportation, milk, hide, meat and antlers. Home Nature Difference between Deer and Reindeer. By: Editorial Staff Updated: Mar-2, Did this article help you?