Even-toed Ungulates and Cetaceans

Even-toed ungulates and cetaceans form a very varied group that share a common ancestor, even if they do not look very similar. Their main feature is having an even number of toes that carry their weight, usually two or four. However, whales and dolphins have completely lost their back legs as they adapted to living in water. On land, this group includes animals like pigs, hippos, camels, deer, cattle, sheep, and goats. Whales and dolphins are their relatives that live fully in the sea. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and in oceans all over the world. They live in many different places, from cold arctic areas to hot rainforests, dry deserts, and deep ocean waters. Most land animals in this group eat plants and have complex stomachs to help digest their food, but pigs eat both plants and meat. The group has been very successful because they can adapt to many environments. Their size varies a lot, from tiny mouse deer to huge blue whales.