File:Musk oxen standing in grass - DPLA - 312f09bc2e4607f7988a2a4aaa90bb7f.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Artiodactyla; Family: Bovidae; Genus: Ovibos; Genus species: Ovibos moschatus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 180-245 cm (including tail); Height: 110-145 cm; Weight: 350-650 kg; Identification: The coat of the musk ox is black with a lighter saddle and front. Its hair is dense and long. Both sexes have long, curving horns; Habitat: Arctic tundra near glaciers; Diet: Herbivore: grasses, sedges, reeds; Reproduction: Musk oxen breed in mid-August. After a gestation period of 8-9 months, a single calf is born in May or June. Weaning occurs at one year of age; Social Structure: Musk oxen are very social animals. They can be found in mixed groups (males and females) with more than 100 individuals. During the summer before mating season, a dominant bull will drive all of the other males out of the group; Behavior: If threatened, a group of musk oxen will form a circle and face the predators, with the calves inside the circle for protection; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Musk oxen are used by the Inuits for their hides, meat, and horns. Their name comes from the strong odor that males emit during breeding.