248 



AXNArs; .\i:\v youk [cademy of sciences 



A. Muskoxen (Ovibovinw) 



B. Sheep and goats (Ovinoe) 



C. Other Antcloiies (Antelopinw etc.) 



D. Cattle (Boiina) 



Fig. 24. — Distribution of the lioriilw, ej'isting (solid black') and extinct (shaded) 



The sheep and goats are regarded as the highest group ; the muskoxen represent a 

 si)pciali?ied Arctic adaptation (cf. Eskimo among mankind). The cattle are a somewhat 

 southerly tyjie ; their formerly wide northern distribution has been greatly restricted, 

 and for the theory that they are of Oriental origin there does not api>ear to be any real 

 evidence. The remaining Bovid subfamilies, usually grouped under the term "antelopes," 

 are to a varying extent primitive and aberrant. The Ilolarctic groups are nearer to the 

 slieep and goats and the more primitive groups are limited to the Ethiopian region and 

 the East Indies. 



