The main difference between deer and reindeer is that the deer is adapted to moderate climates whereas the reindeer is adapted to cold climates.
Both deer and reindeer are hoofed mammals that belong to the family Cervidae. Reindeer is the second biggest species of deer. In most deer species, only the male deer bear antlers. However, in reindeer, both male and female deer bear antlers.
Key Areas Covered
– Definition, Habitat, Characteristics
– Definition, Habitat, Characteristics
3. What are the Similarities Between Deer and Reindeer
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Deer and Reindeer
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Antlers, Deer, Fur, Habitat, Hooves, Reindeer
Deer – Definition, Habitat, Characteristics
A deer is a hoofed, grazing or browsing animal with branched, bony antlers typically borne by males. Deer live in meadows, savannas, and various types of forests (tropical rainforests or deciduous, temperate forests, coniferous and mixed forests) all over the world except Australia and Antarctica.
The commonest species of deer is white-tailed deer. Moose is the biggest type of deer. The smallest deer is Southern pudu. The male deer is called buck while the female is called does. The male moose and reindeer are called bulls while their female is called cows. figure 1 shows a white-tailed deer.
Only deer have antlers. The antlers are the fastest growing tissues on earth. They grow from spring to fall. While developing, the velvet fur on antlers sheds in the fall. Velvet is a soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels. It is very sensitive. The Chinese water deer do not have antlers. The antlers shed in the winter. figure 2 shows an antler with velvet.
Deer are highly sensitive to sounds. They hear higher frequencies of sound than humans. The brown coat color of deer provides an adaptation of camouflage to hide within the woodlands.
Reindeer – Definition, Habitat, Characteristics
A reindeer is a type of deer with large horns that lives in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is also called caribou. It is the second biggest type of deer. Reindeer is adapted to live in cold regions of the world such as Arctic and Subarctic regions, in the mountainous regions of Northern Europe, in Siberia and North America. Due to its association with Santa, reindeer is famous during the Christmas. figure 3 shows a male reindeer.
Since reindeer live in cold regions, they have wide and split hooves that ease moving across the snow. Also, their nose consists of specialized tribute bones. These bones give extra space inside the nostrils, warming the incoming air. Reindeer that lives in Arctic regions have white fur.
Similarities Between Deer and Reindeer
- Deer and reindeer belong to the family Cervidae.
- Both are hoofed mammals with four legs.
- They both have antlers. The velvet fur on the antlers sheds once a year.
- Both are herbivores and hunted by humans and bears.
- They are social animals who live in herds.
- Domesticating both is possible.
Difference Between Deer and Reindeer
Deer: A deer is a hoofed, grazing or browsing animal with branched, bony antlers typically borne by males
Reindeer: A reindeer is a type of deer with large horns that lives in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America
Deer: Around 90 species
Reindeer: The second biggest species of deer; has around ten subspecies
Deer: Found in all continents except Australia and Antarctica
Reindeer: Found in the circumpolar and polar parts of Europe, North America, and Asia
Deer: Lives in meadows, savannas, and various types of forests (tropical rainforests or deciduous, temperate forests, coniferous and mixed forests)
Reindeer: Lives in boreal forests and tundra
Type of Climate
Deer: Adapted to moderate climate
Reindeer: Adapted to cold climate
Deer: Has long, thin legs
Reindeer: Has long, stumpy legs that click every time they spot
Deer: Pointed hooves
Reindeer: Wide, split hooves that help to move across the snow
Deer: Southern Pudu, the smallest species weighs 20 pounds. Moose, the largest species weighs nearly 1000 pounds.
Reindeer: Medium in size; weighs around 180-400 pounds
Density of the Fur
Deer: Has less dense fur
Reindeer: Has high fur density
Deer: The fur color depends on the species
Reindeer: The fur color depends on the habitat
Deer: Only the male deer has an antler
Reindeer: Both male and female reindeer have antlers
Deer: Has long, forked, pointed antlers
Reindeer: Has large antlers in comparison to the body size; the upper and lower points are organized into separate groups
Deer: Eats twigs, fruit, leaves, grass, and lichens
Reindeer: Eats birch, leaves, mushrooms, lichens, and moss; eggs, fish and sometimes small rodents
Deer: Hunted by humans, bears, wolves, cougars, and vultures
Reindeer: Hunted by humans and bears
Deer: Can be domesticated
Reindeer: Domesticated for milk and transportation
Deer is adapted to moderate climates while reindeer are adapted to cold climates. Reindeer is the second biggest species of deer. They have wider hooves and dense fur than other deer. Both males and females of reindeer have antlers that are bigger than other deer. The main difference between deer and reindeer is the type of habitat they used to live.
1. “White-tailed deer” USDA photo by Scott Bauer (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Rocky Mountain Elk with antlers in velvet” By MONGO – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “Caribou” By Dean Biggins (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) – US FWS, DIVISION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, WO3772-023 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia