Ovis (genus)

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  13. Ovis
Scope note
Refers to members of the genus containing 5 or more species of ruminant (cud-chewing) mammals, including domestic sheep. Sheep are typically distinguished from goats by being stockier, having horns that more divergent in form, having scent glands in its face and hind feet, and the males lack the beards of goats. In all wild species of sheep, the outer coat is hair overlaying a short undercoat of fine wool; the fine wool has been developed into the fleece of domesticated sheep. Sheep were first domesticated from wild species of sheep at least 5000 BCE, and their remains have been found at numerous sites of early human habitation in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. Domesticated sheep are raised for their fleece, milk, and meat.
Ovis
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024