Article
Article
Pronghorn
Article By:
Curtin, Charles B. Department of Biology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
Last reviewed:January 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.548100
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An antelopelike animal, Antilocapra americana, the sole extant representative of the artiodactyl family Antilocapridae. The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana; see illustration) is the only living member of the family Antilocapridae in the mammalian order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). It is reputed to be the fastest ungulate in North America, sprinting as fast as 96 km/h (60 mi/h) and sustaining speeds of 48 km/h (30 mi/h) for about 24 km (15 mi). It is the only hollow-horned ungulate with branched horns present in both sexes. Like the deer, the pronghorn sheds its horns each fall; the new growth is complete by midsummer. The adult measures about 0.9 m (3 ft) in height, weighs about 45 kg (100 lb), is covered with coarse brittle hair, and has 32 narrow teeth, with a dental formula of I 0/3, C 0/1, Pm 3/3, M 3/3 × 2. See also: Antelope; Artiodactyla; Dentition; Mammalia; North America
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