noun
- Even-toed ungulate mammals, a large order that includes cattle, deer, pigs, sheep, camels, and hippopotamuses.
Usage: plural form; used in zoology and biology; scientific classification: order Artiodactyla
Examples
- Artiodactyls are characterized by having an even number of toes on each foot.
- Cattle, sheep, and goats are all examples of artiodactyls.
- The fossil record shows that artiodactyls evolved millions of years ago.
- Whales are considered modern artiodactyls based on genetic evidence.
- Most artiodactyls are herbivorous, though some species are omnivorous.
- Artiodactyls are more successful than perissodactyls in terms of species diversity today.