How does *Perissodactyla* differ from *Artiodactyla* regarding locomotion?
*Perissodactyla* bear weight on an odd number of toes, unlike *Artiodactyla*.
The difference between the Order Perissodactyla, which includes the white rhinoceros, horses, and tapirs, and the Order Artiodactyla, which includes cattle, deer, and giraffes, lies fundamentally in the structure of their feet used for bearing weight. Perissodactyla translates to 'odd-toed ungulates,' meaning they support their mass primarily upon an odd number of toes—specifically, one toe is dominant. Conversely, Artiodactyla translates to 'even-toed ungulates,' indicating that they bear weight predominantly on an even number of toes, usually two (cloven hooves). This distinction highlights divergent evolutionary paths in limb structure among large grazing mammals.
