Carousel

Azhdarchidae: Azhdarchid Kind
The azhdarchid Quetzacoatlus northropi was among the largest winged creatures of all time. Some researchers believe it was flightless, but most suggest it actively flapped for short journeys or soared for long ones. Its 36-foot (11 m) wingspan was comparable to a small airplane. See my kind on Deck 1 of the Ark.

Bovinae: Cattle Kind
The term “bovine” often refers to large, domesticated cattle, but the group also contains wild buffalo, yaks, elands, and various antelopes. Most have horns made of bony cores covered in keratin sheaths, the same material as a hair, fingernails, and toenails. See my kind on Deck 2 of the Ark.

Camelidae: Camel Kind
Feeling thirsty? Camels can slurp 25 gallons (95 L) of water in just 10 minutes. Able to thrive in hot, dry climates, they remove dust from their eyes using third eyelids, and close their nostrils to block out sand. They sure “nose” how to survive in the desert.

Chalicotheriidae: Chalicothere Kind
Chalicotheres resembled giant ground sloths but were generally more like horses, rhinos, and tapirs. Some chalicotheres, such as Anisodon, walked on their knuckles. They likely used their clawlike hooves and long forearms to sweep soft plant material into their mouths. See my kind on Deck 2 of the Ark.

Cervidae: Deer Kind
Most deer are easily recognized by their bushy tails, long legs, and antlers on most species. Deer are good swimmers and fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). How fast can you run? See my kind on Deck 1 of the Ark.

Elephantidae: Elephant Kind
Elephants are impressive, with their large, flappy ears, tusks, and trunks. Their trunks act as noses for breathing, straws for drawing water, hands for collecting food, and even snorkels, since they hold their trunk tips above the water as they swim.

Equidae: Horse Kind
Once an important meat source, equids are now more commonly bred as working stock, trusted companions, and sports athletes. Keep an eye out the next time you see a horse, zebra, or donkey: they can sleep lying down or standing up. See my kind on Deck 2 of the Ark.

Falconidae: Falcon Kind
Powerful and fast fliers, falcons are raptors or birds of prey. Adults use their thin, pointed wings to slice through the air and swoop down to catch their targets. Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on earth, with dive speeds topping 240 miles per hour (386 km/h).

Giraffidae: Giraffe Kind
Famous for its long neck and legs, the giraffe is the tallest land animal today. This towering African mammal also has a unique spotted coat. Just like human fingerprints, it is believed that no two coat patterns are the same. Okapis are also members of this kind. See my kind on Deck 2 of the Ark.

Leporidae: Rabbit Kind
Rabbits are small mammals, known for their speed, agility, and large ears. Their ears can extend over 5 inches (13 cm), are able to rotate completely backwards, help warm or cool their bodies, and allow them to hear distant sounds.

Rebbachisauridae: Rebbachisaur Kind
Most sauropods had long necks, enabling them to browse tall trees. But some, like 500-toothed Nigersaurus, had features to help them nibble low ground cover. Though Nigersaurus was a relatively small sauropod, the related Maraapunisaurus was one of the largest. See my kind on Deck 2 of the Ark.

Tyrannosauridae: Tyrannosaur Kind
An adult Tyrannosaurus rex could reach 43 feet (13 m) in length, making it one of the largest known land carnivores, although members of this kind were originally plant eaters. They had large, serrated teeth, small, two-fingered arms, and steadied themselves with long, weighty tails. See my kind on Deck 2 of the Ark.