I was wondering, all other things being equal, are whitetail deer and mule deer necks equally long given the same body measurements? Or does one species have a longer neck by vertue of their species?
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go to google and do a search. You may find that deer have different numbers of bones. I do know that certian breeds of horse have one less vertebrea in thier backs and one less set of ribs.
because one of the taxonomic characteristics of all mammals is the presence of seven cervical vertebrae. Each may be different length depending upon species, and they may be positioned different relative to scapulae, etc., but if you're a mammal, you'll only have seven in your neck.
It depends on the deer,genetics, where they are from,etc. They are like people. Faces and body shape,necks, ect is a little different on all.
Deer one deer can have a longer neck than another. I have one doe that seems to have a longer thinner neck, She is also taller and a narrower face. Another doe has an average size body but short legs. My younnger buck (4 yrs) is a lot heavier bodied and over all larger and keeks a heavier neck on him. My older buck (7 yrs)is longer legged and thinner neck and weighs quite a bit less then the younger one. Comparing a whittail to a mule deer. The mule deer will have a different look and shape to the face. The body length will be close but the mule deer will usually be heavier bodied. There is no real set in stone size.That can change from north south east west. The other posts are correct the verdebrae in your neck are the same number. Even the giraffe doesn't have any more. they are just longer
I learned a few things I didn't know from those responses. Thanks guys.
Those spunky Arabs...have one in my herd. I'm told the missing back vertebrea is the reason for the high tail posture. They have the largest lung capacity for their size as well. Can't tucker 'em out...I've tried.
Bob Mead
IN doing several hundread mounts of both and measuring the neck length and form length, the majority of whitetail necks are shorter than mule deer necks. this is only about a inch on the same size neck.