What are relatives of elk?

Elk are members of the deer family, Cervidae. Here are some of their closest relatives:

Within the same genus (Cervus):

* Red Deer: Closely related to elk, and sometimes considered the same species.

* Sika Deer: Another species within the same genus, found in Asia.

* Thorold's Deer: A critically endangered deer species found in China, also within the same genus.

Other deer species:

* Fallow Deer: Found in Europe and North Africa, sharing some similarities with elk.

* White-tailed Deer: A common North American deer species.

* Mule Deer: Another common North American deer species, known for their large, branched ears.

* Reindeer: A large deer species adapted to cold climates.

More distant relatives:

* Moose: The largest member of the deer family.

* Caribou: A large, migratory deer species found in the Arctic.

Elk are fascinating creatures with a diverse and interesting family tree!