Cervinae

mammal subfamily

Also known as: Old World deer

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July 15, 2026

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The Cervinae are a subfamily within the deer family (Cervidae). This family comprises 43 species of hoofed ruminants, characterized by two large and two small hooves on each foot. Most male deer, and females of one species, possess antlers.12

The Cervinae, or Old World deer, are distinguished from New World deer (subfamily Capreolinae) by their foot structure. This subfamily includes species such as the muntjac, sambar, chital, sika, and red deer. These deer originally evolved in different regions, leading to distinct evolutionary paths and characteristics.231

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deer
Old and New World deer
…the Old World deer (subfamily Cervinae) and the New World deer (subfamily Capreolinae). This division reflects where the deer originally evolved; however, now it is not a geographical distinction but instead derives from their different foot structures. In the Old World deer the second and fifth hand bones (metapodia) have…
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…the Old World deer (subfamily Cervinae) and the New World deer (subfamily Capreolinae). This division reflects where the deer originally evolved; however, now it is not a geographical distinction but instead derives from their different foot structures. In the Old World deer the second and fifth hand bones (metapodia) have…
Read More