At the end of the year of the horse, forward with a new animal of the twelve signs of Chinese astrology. It is the year of the Goat (羊). Or of the Sheep? The problem is that the word that designates it is "yang", which in Mandarin does not specify among the members of the Caprinae subfamily, that is, between "goat" and "sheep". But what is the difference between a sheep and a goat?
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
At the end of the year of the horse, forward with a new animal of the twelve signs of Chinese astrology. It is the year of the Goat (羊). Or of the Sheep? The problem is that the word that designates it is "yang", which in Mandarin does not specify among the members of the Caprinae subfamily, that is, between "Goat" and "sheep". In practice, without further qualification, "yang" could mean any ungulate that eats grass and bleats.
But rest assured. The Chinese are not at all disturbed by this 'sheep and goat' distinction. It is in the West that this ambiguity has sparked the discussion. So, if you are planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year, make your choice. But what's the difference between a sheep and a goat?
While belonging to the same subfamily, sheep and goats diverge at the genus level and arrive as distinct species. The sheep (Ovis aries) have 54 chromosomes; the goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) 60. Goats are ruminants capable of climbing trees with a slightly twisted trunk and / or sufficiently low branches. They look for leaves, twigs, vines and shrubs. Sheep slowly eat plants that are close to the ground.
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Some breeds of goat and sheep appear superficially similar; in fact these two animals are very closely related, however the tail of the goats is always pointing upwards and that of the sheep always points downwards. Most goats have horns, many sheep, but not all, do not. Goat horns are narrower and usually straight, sheep horns tend to be thicker and more curved (like Princess Leia's hair, for that matter).
What year do you choose? Goat or sheep?
In any case, happy new year!
Roberta Ragni
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Read also:
In the zodiac year of the Goat in Korea there is a boom for sheep coffee (VIDEO)
