Editing Llama (section)

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Llama skeleton at MAV-USP.jpg|300px|thumb|Skeleton of a llama]]

A full-grown llama can reach a height of {{convert|1.7|to|1.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}} at the top of the head and can weigh between {{convert|130|and|272|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>[https://bluemoonranch.net/frequently-asked-questions/ Frequently Asked Questions - Blue Moon Ranch Alpacas]</ref> At maturity, males can weigh 94.74&nbsp;kg, while females can weigh 102.27&nbsp;kg.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/846966060|title=South American camelids research. Volume 2|date=2008|publisher=Wageningen Academic Publishers| last1=Frank | first1=Eduardo | last2=Antonini | first2=Marco | last3=Toro | first3=Oscar|isbn=978-90-8686-648-9|location=Wageningen, Netherlands|oclc=846966060}}</ref> At birth, a baby llama (called a ''[[cria]]'') can weigh between {{convert|9|and|14|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Llamas typically live for 15 to 25&nbsp;years, with some individuals surviving 30 years or more.<ref name=Characteristics>
{{cite web
 |title=Llama characteristics
 |date=25 June 2007
 |website=Nose-n-Toes
 |url=http://www.nose-n-toes.com/characts.htm
}}
</ref><ref name=Facts>{{cite web
 |title=Llama facts&nbsp;1
 |date=25 June 2007
 |website=Llamas of Atlanta
 |url=http://www.llamasofatlanta.com/llama_facts.htm
 |access-date=5 August 2014
 |archive-date=17 August 2016
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817045228/http://www.llamasofatlanta.com/llama_facts.htm
 |url-status=dead
 }}</ref><ref name=FAQ>
{{cite web
 |title=Llama FAQ
 |date=25 June 2007
 |website=Twin Creeks Llamas
 |url=http://www.twincreeksllamas.com/faq/FAQs.htm
}}
</ref>{{better source needed|sources, plural: all three are unathoritative breeders|date=December 2019}}

The following characteristics apply especially to llamas. [[Dentition]] of adults: incisors {{sfrac|1|3}} canines {{sfrac|1|1}}, premolars {{sfrac|2|2}}, molars {{sfrac|3|3}}; total 32. In the upper jaw, a compressed, sharp, pointed laniariform [[incisor]] near the hinder edge of the [[premaxilla]] is followed in the male at least by a moderate-sized, pointed, curved true [[canine tooth|canine]] in the anterior part of the maxilla.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dental anatomy of llamas |website=www.vivo.colostate.edu |publisher=[[Colorado State University]] |url=http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/pregastric/llamapage.html |access-date=8 March 2012 |archive-date=29 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429144233/http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/pregastric/llamapage.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The isolated canine-like [[premolar]] that follows in the camels is not present. The teeth of the molar series, which are in contact with each other, consist of two very small premolars (the first almost rudimentary) and three broad [[molars]], generally constructed like those of ''Camelus''. In the lower jaw, the three incisors are long, spatulate, and procumbent; the outer ones are the smallest. Next to these is a curved, suberect canine, followed after an interval by an isolated minute and often deciduous simple conical premolar; then a contiguous series of one premolar and three molars, which differ from those of ''Camelus'' in having a small accessory column at the anterior outer edge.
[[File:Llama with numbers.svg|thumb|right|300px|Names of llama body parts: '''1''' ears – '''2''' poll – '''3''' withers – '''4''' back – '''5''' hip – '''6''' croup – '''7''' base of tail – '''8''' tail – '''9''' buttock – '''10''' hock – '''11''' metatarsal gland – '''12''' heel – '''13''' cannon bone – '''14''' gaskin – '''15''' stifle joint – '''16''' flank – '''17''' barrel – '''18''' elbow – '''19''' pastern – '''20''' fetlock – '''21''' Knee – '''22''' Chest – '''23''' point of shoulder – '''24''' shoulder – '''25''' throat – '''26''' cheek or jowl – '''27''' muzzle]]

The skull generally resembles that of ''Camelus'', with a larger brain cavity and orbits and less-developed [[cranial ridges]] due to its smaller size. The nasal bones are shorter and broader and are joined by the premaxilla.

[[Vertebrae]]:
* cervical 7,
* dorsal 12,
* lumbar 7,
* sacral 4,
* caudal 15 to 20.

The ears are rather long and slightly curved inward, characteristically known as "banana" shaped. There is no dorsal hump. The feet are narrow, the toes being more separated than in the camels, each having a distinct plantar pad. The tail is short, and the fiber is long, woolly, and soft.

In essential structural characteristics, as well as in general appearance and habits, all the animals of this genus very closely resemble each other, so whether they should be considered as belonging to one, two, or more species is a matter of controversy among [[natural history|naturalists]].

The question is complicated by the circumstances of most individuals who have come under observation, either in a completely or partially domesticated state. Many are also descended from ancestors previously domesticated, a state that tends to produce a certain amount of variation from the original type. The four forms commonly distinguished by the inhabitants of South America are recognized as distinct species, though there are difficulties in defining their distinctive characteristics.

These are:
* the llama, ''Lama glama'' ([[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]]);
* the [[alpaca]], ''Lama pacos'' (Linnaeus);
* the [[guanaco]] (from the [[Quechua languages|Quechua]] ''huanaco''), ''Lama guanicoe'' ([[Philipp Ludwig Statius Müller|Müller]]); and
* the [[vicuña]], ''Lama vicugna'' ([[Juan Ignacio Molina|Molina]])

The llama and alpaca are only known in the domestic state and are variable in size and of many colors, often white, brown, or piebald. Some are grey or black. The guanaco and vicuña are wild. The guanaco is endangered; it has a nearly uniform light-brown color, passing into white below.

The guanaco and vicuña certainly differ: The vicuña is more petite, more slender in its proportions, and has a shorter head than the guanaco.

The vicuña lives in [[herd]]s on the [[tierra helada|bleak and elevated parts of the mountain range]] bordering the [[janca|region of perpetual snow]], amidst rocks and precipices, occurring in various suitable localities throughout [[Peru]], in the southern part of [[Ecuador]], and as far south as the middle of [[Bolivia]]. Its manners very much resemble those of the [[chamois]] of the European [[Alps]]; it is as vigilant, wild, and timid.

Vicuña fiber is extremely delicate and soft and highly valued for weaving, but the quantity that each animal produces is small.
Alpacas are primarily descended from wild vicuña ancestors. In contrast, domesticated llamas are descended primarily from wild guanaco ancestors, although a considerable amount of [[Hybrid (biology)|hybridization]] between the two species has occurred.

Differential characteristics between llamas and alpacas include the llama's larger size, longer head, and curved ears. Alpaca fiber is generally more expensive but not always more valuable. Alpacas tend to have a more consistent color throughout the body. The most apparent visual difference between llamas and [[camel]]s is that camels have a humps and llamas do not.

Llamas are not [[ruminant]]s, pseudo-ruminants, or modified ruminants.<ref>{{cite web |first=Murray E. |last=Fowler |date=1 October 2016 |title=Camelids are not ruminants |website=Verterian Key (Veterinary Medicine Insight Engine) |id=Chapter&nbsp;46 |url=https://veteriankey.com/camelids-are-not-ruminants/ |access-date=2021-05-29}}</ref> They do have a complex three-compartment stomach that allows them to digest lower quality, high cellulose foods. The stomach compartments allow for fermentation of tricky foodstuffs, followed by regurgitation and re-chewing. [[Ruminant]]s (cows, sheep, goats) have ''four'' compartments, whereas llamas have only three stomach compartments: the rumen, omasum, and abomasum.

In addition, the llama (and other camelids) have an extremely long and complex large intestine (colon). The large intestine's role in digestion is to reabsorb water, vitamins, and electrolytes from [[food waste]] passing through it. The length of the llama's colon allows it to survive on much less water than other animals. This is a major advantage in arid climates where they live.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sheri |last=Amsel |date=13 November 2017 |title=Llama thoracic and abdominal organs (right view) |website=Exploring Nature |url=https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/Llama-Thoracic-and-Abdonimal-Organs-Right-View}}</ref>{{Panorama
| image = Llamas, Laguna Milluni y Nevado Huayna Potosí (La Paz - Bolivia).jpg
| height = 360
| caption = {{center|A herd of llamas grazing by the side of the road in the [[Cordillera Oriental (Bolivia)|Bolivian Andes]]. The species is fully domesticated.}}
}}