The yak and zebu are almost identical animals. Both animals have similar horns and similar sizes, and there are many similarities, however, there are several that are not. They are also animals with similar lifestyles and the same favourite foods. The yak is a long-haired domesticated cattle found throughout the Himalayan region of Indian, and most of the Zebu cattle that have entered the United States have been of breeds that originated in India. So if you don't know them well, you might think of them as the same animal. This essay will explore the differences in their taxonomy, physical features, and behaviour of yak and zebu.
Yak
There is no significant difference between the two animals in taxonomy. These two animals come from the same kingdom. Also, they got the same phylum and class. Then they share the same order, family and genus. The genus of the yak and zebu is Bos, both have the same genus. The phylum of both animals is Chordata, the river is Mammalia, the neck is Artiodactyla and the family is Bovidae. They have the same genus but surprisingly they are different species. The species of the yak is Bos grunniens and the species of the zebu is Bos indicus.
Although there is no significant difference in taxonomy, there are many differences between the two animals in physical features. Yak and zebu have physical features that distinguish them from each other. Zebu cattle are usually grey, are horned, have loose skin, large ears and have a hump above their shoulders. The weight of the zebu is 150-200 kg and the skin is leather. Zebu can live 12 to 16 years. And the yak has relatively short legs and is hairy around the belly. The yak's colour is usually white, black and grey. The weight is 300~1000 kg and the skin type is hair. Yak can live 15 to 20 years. However, the biggest difference between the two is that the yak has a lot of hair.
Zebu
Lastly, the differences between these animals can also be seen in their behaviour.
Yak spend most of their time grazing, sometimes moving to and from various areas depending on the season. They are mainly active during the day. They live in herds which can vary in size from 20 to 200 individuals. Zebu is a prey animal and much of their behaviour is adapted to this niche. They live in herds and have a social structure amongst themselves. Herds contain one male and many females, all of which have their own spot in the pecking order.
In conclusion, zebu and yak look like the same animal, but when examining taxonomy, physical features, and behaviour, they are different but have a lot in common. Both have the same taxonomy except for Species and have the same colour and similar size in physical features. Also, in Behavior, they live in herds. With all these mentioned, it's good to know that yak and zebu are actually different animals.
Written by: Hyo Jong 7B
Comentários