Artiodactyls

Artiodactyls fall under the Class Mammalia and Order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). This order is characterized by either two or mostly four hoofed toes on each foot. They contain around 200 living species. Some of the most common animals that we come across daily fall under this Order. Examples : deer, cattle, goats, sheep, camels, giraffes, hippopotamus and pigs.


In Artiodactyls (artios - even + daktuloes - toe) the plane of symmetry of each foot passes between the third and fourth digits. Essentially their body weight is borne by the third and fourth digits. First digit is usually lost and second and fifth are minor. This is in contrast to Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) where the plane of symmetry runs down the third toe; notable examples include zebra, horses, asses and rhinoceroses.

Artiodactyls are diverse - found in almost all continents except Antarctica and Australia. They contain the fastest moving animals like deers to the slow movers like hippos. They majorly live in open habitats but some of them dwell in forest too. Cool ones like hippos hang out in 'aqua'!

Sources:
Wikipedia
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology website