ARTIODACTYLA
Artiodactyla is one of two phyla of hoofed mammals, ungulates.
They are distinguished from the Perissodactyla by having even number of toes. The majority
of Artiodactylids belong to the suborder Ruminantia. The four families of ruminants chew cud. A
four chambered stomach allows ruminants to break down cellulose the main component of
plants. It is actually microorganisms living in the ruminant's gut that break down the cellulose. The non-ruminant Artiodactylids are hippopotamuses and swine.
They are distinguished from the Perissodactyla by having even number of toes. The majority
of Artiodactylids belong to the suborder Ruminantia. The four families of ruminants chew cud. A
four chambered stomach allows ruminants to break down cellulose the main component of
plants. It is actually microorganisms living in the ruminant's gut that break down the cellulose. The non-ruminant Artiodactylids are hippopotamuses and swine.
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