Renshaw, G., 1904. Natural history essays. London and Manchester, Sherratt and Hughes, pp. i-xv, 1-218
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| Location: |
World |
| Subject: |
Taxonomy - Taxa |
| Species: |
African Rhino Species |
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The white rhinoceros is a larger animal than the black species, from which it may at once be differentiated by the square, rubber-like and non-prehensile upper lip. Other distinguishing characters of Rhinoceros simus are the slit-like nostrils, the characteristic position of the eye behind the line of the second horn, the semi-tubular ears, and the great length of the shapeless head - these points amply justifying the refusal of the late Joseph Wolf to depict the white rhinoceros as resembling. its black congener in all respects, save for the square upper lip. He said that surely other important differences existed, and indeed, when closely compared, the two animals are really very unlike each other, as may be seen from the following table: -
White Rhinoceros. Black Rhinoceros.
1. Upper lip square, non-prehensileUpper lip pointed, prehensile, and
and adapted for grazing.adapted for browsing.
2. Nostrils slit-like, elongated,Nostrils small and rounded.
and narrow.
3. Eye situated entirely behindEye situated behind axis of second horn.
line of second horn.
4. Ears semi-tubular and scantily tufted.Ears open: fringed on upper edge.
5. Head much elongated.Head less elongated.
6. Feet broad, leaving a wide spoor orFeet smaller: spoor about 27 in.
footmark about 36 in.circumference. (Kirby).
circumference. (Kirby).
7. Size of animal very large, 6 ft.Size smaller up to 5 ft. 8 in. at
at shoulder.shoulder. (Baker).
End
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