What is the Difference Between Gazelle and Antelope?

Gazelles and antelopes are both herbivores belonging to the Bovidae family, but they have some key differences. Here are the main differences between gazelles and antelopes:

1. Size: Gazelles are generally smaller than antelopes. For example, a Thompson gazelle weighs around 66 pounds, while some antelope species can weigh over 2000 pounds.
2. Horns: Most gazelle species have horns for both males and females, while in many antelope species, only males have horns.
3. Appearance: Antelopes are usually brown-colored with white or pale bellies and a dark lateral stripe. Gazelles, on the other hand, are typically light, fawn-colored with white underparts or rump patches and a dark stripe.
4. Stotting: Gazelles are known to display a behavior called stotting, where they move slowly before bolting vertically into the air when startled by a predator. This behavior is not as common in antelopes.

In summary, gazelles are a subset of antelopes, and while they share some similarities, they have distinct features in terms of size, horns, appearance, and behavior.

Comparative Table: Gazelle vs Antelope

Here is a table comparing the differences between gazelles and antelopes:

Gazelles are generally smaller and faster than antelopes, with both genders having horns. They also display a behavior called stotting, which is not seen in antelopes. Antelopes, on the other hand, have a broader size range and more diverse appearances, with primarily males having horns.