What feature of the mature male nilgai might have confused early observers regarding its relationship to cattle?
Answer
Its substantial size, approaching the stature of smaller cattle breeds.
The substantial size of the male nilgai, reaching shoulder heights near 5 feet, is significant for an antelope and may have contributed to it being mistaken for bovine species.
Related Questions
What is the scientific implication of the nilgai belonging to a monotypic genus, *Boselaphus*?To which Order of ungulates does the nilgai belong, characterized by having even toes?Which animals share the Subfamily Boselaphinae with the nilgai?What is the literal meaning of the common Hindi name 'Nilgai'?What characteristic of the Class Mammalia is evident in the nilgai?What aspect of the nilgai's physical structure places it in a separate scoring category from cervids for trophy hunters?What environment does the nilgai's classification within the Boselaphini tribe suggest it is adapted for?What is the derivation of the species epithet *tragocamelus*?What feature of the mature male nilgai might have confused early observers regarding its relationship to cattle?In non-native ranges such as Texas, what is the management classification given to the nilgai?