From their scaly hide to their vertical pupils to their big humorless grins, it’s not hard to believe that these reptiles are very closely related to dinosaurs. They haven’t changed much at all for over seven million years.
Named for the strong odor that males of the species emit to attract females, the muskox is actually more closely related to sheep and goats than to true oxen.
There’s no doubt that you recognized this animal immediately: With its tremendous size, massive, low-hanging head and shaggy coat, this symbol of the American Plains from days gone by is unmistakable.