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The scientific name for an Alpaca is Vicugna pacos, which comes from the name “vicugna”, the ancestral ancient wild camelid mammal. However, they were earlier called Lama pacos, as they were expected to be a descendant of the llama’s forbear. Alpacas are friendly, social animals who only will spit or bite in self defense or to protect themselves from predators.
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Key words: Alpaca, Vicugna pacos, Scientific Name, Taxonomy, Mammalia
Classification of Alpaca
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Alpacas belong to the family Camelidae, which also includes camels, llamas and guanacos. The genus of alpacas makes up their scientific name which is Vicugna pacos. Alpacas, just like the other members of the family are even- toed ungulates, which means that only 2 out of 5 toes bear the animal’s weight.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Camelidae |
| Genus | Vicugna |
An alpaca, even though it looks similar to a llama, is much smaller than them. They measure 5.5 feet on an average in length and have small heads, large eyes, flame shaped ears and long necks. There are two breeds of alpaca that exist:
- Huacaya breed
- Suri breed
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Habitat of Alpaca
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Alpacas live in domesticated herds in the mountainous regions of the Andes in Southern Peru, Ecuador, Northern Chile and Western Bolivia. sharing the habitat with other South American natives such as mountain lions, llamas and flamingos. They can also adapt well to various other environments and hence live throughout the world on alcapa farms where the wool is harvested for yarn and government manufacturing.
Difference between Alpacas and Llamas
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| Basis | Alpacas | Llama |
|---|---|---|
| Ears | Short, flame-shaped ears | Longer, banana-shaped ears |
| Head | Short and blunt | Long and sharp |
| Weight | 150 pounds on average | 300 pounds on average |
| Disposition | Timider than llamas | Brazen than alpacas |
| Scientific Name | Vicugna pacos | Lama glama |
Facts about Alpaca
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The following are some popular facts and characteristics about Alpaca (Vicugna pacos):
- The alpacas, scientifically called Vicugna pacos, were first domesticated by the ancient Incas over 6000 years ago.
- Alpacas are a single species animal which have two different breeds.
- Even though llamas and alpacas are two different species, they can cross breed and their offspring is called a huarizo.
- Alpacas mostly make humming sounds which could represent boredom, curiosity, distress, contentment or caution.
- Alpacas have a three-chambered stomach.
Things to Remember
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- The scientific name of an alpaca is Vicugna Pacos.
- Alpacas are friendly animals who use the technique of spitting and biting to scare off their predators.
- There are two breeds of alpacas.
- Alpacas look very similar to llamas even though both are different species.
- Alpacas live in herds.
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Sample Questions
Ques: What is the scientific name of alpacas? (1 mark)
Ans: Vicugna pacos is the scientific name of alpacas.
Ques: How much time does it take for an alpaca to breed? (1 mark)
Ans: Alpacas breed once a year because it can take upto 345 days for a baby to develop in the womb.
Ques: Why do alpacas spit? (1 mark)
Ans: Alpacas use spitting as a defense mechanism to scare off predators. It can also be used as a way to ward off unwanted attention.
Ques: How fast is an alpaca? (1 mark)
Ans: Alpacas can travel at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour.
Ques: Are alpacas herbivores, carnivores or omnivores? (1 mark)
Ans: Alpacas are plant eating animals which means they are herbivores.
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