Gazelle vs. Antelope — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 23, 2023
Both Gazelle and Antelope are hoofed mammals, but a Gazelle is a specific type of small, swift Antelope, while Antelope is a broader term for various species within the Bovidae family.
Difference Between Gazelle and Antelope
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
It's worth noting that while all Gazelles are Antelopes, there are only about 13 species of Gazelles. In contrast, there are over 90 species that fall under the broader category of Antelope.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Gazelles are generally characterized by their smaller size, delicate features, and exceptional speed. They possess a grace that makes them distinct, and they are known for their bounding leaps, known as "pronking" or "stotting", which they use to evade predators. On the other hand, Antelopes encompass a wider range of species, varying greatly in size, appearance, and habitat.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
While Gazelles are adapted for open plains and deserts, where they utilize their speed as a primary defense mechanism, Antelopes can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and savannas. This wide habitat range for Antelopes means a broader diversity in behavior and adaptations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
The word "Gazelle" is derived from the Arabic word "ghazal", while the term "Antelope" might have Greek roots, specifically "anthos" and "ops", meaning "flower face". Both terms, however, have come to be used widely in English to describe these majestic creatures.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
A Gazelle and an Antelope are both ungulates found mainly in Africa and parts of Asia. While they share many similarities, there are key distinctions between them. Gazelles are a subset of Antelopes, meaning all Gazelles are Antelopes, but not all Antelopes are Gazelles.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Classification
A specific subset of Antelopes.
A broader term for many species in the Bovidae family.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Adaptation
Adapted mainly for open plains and deserts.
Found in various habitats including forests and swamps.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Behavior
Known for "pronking" or "stotting" when evading predators.
Behaviors vary across different species.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Definitions
Gazelle
An animal known for its bounding leaps, called "pronking".
To show off its vitality, the Gazelle started pronking in the grasslands.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Antelope
Ranges in size and appearance, from the tiny dik-dik to the large eland.
The diversity of Antelope species in the reserve was astounding.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Gazelle
A swift and graceful hoofed mammal adapted for speed.
The Gazelle sprinted across the savanna, easily outpacing its pursuers.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Antelope
An animal often characterized by its long, spiraled horns.
The male Antelope used its horns in a duel for dominance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Gazelle
A small member of the Antelope family with slender limbs.
The young Gazelle grazed contentedly near its mother.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Antelope
An ungulate primarily native to Africa, but also found in parts of Asia.
The Antelope stood watchfully, always alert to potential danger.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Gazelle
A creature predominantly found in open plains and deserts of Africa and Asia.
Gazelles in the desert have adapted to survive with minimal water.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Antelope
A creature adapted to various habitats, from forests to savannas.
This type of Antelope prefers the dense cover of the forest.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Gazelle
One of the most iconic animals of the African savanna.
Tourists were delighted to capture a Gazelle on camera during their safari.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Antelope
A term referring to various species of hoofed mammals in the Bovidae family.
The vast grasslands were teeming with Antelope herds.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Gazelle
A gazelle is any of many antelope species in the genus Gazella. This article also deals with the seven species included in two further genera, Eudorcas and Nanger, which were formerly considered subgenera of Gazella.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
The term antelope is used to refer to many species of even-toed ruminant that are indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia. Antelope comprise a wastebasket taxon (miscellaneous group) within the family Bovidae, encompassing all Old World ruminants that are not bovines, sheep, goats, deer, or giraffes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Gazelle
A small, slender antelope that typically has curved horns and a fawn-coloured coat with white underparts, found in open country in Africa and Asia.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
A swift-running deerlike ruminant with smooth hair and upward-pointing horns, of a group native to Africa and Asia that includes the gazelles, impala, gnus, and elands.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Gazelle
Any of various small, swift antelopes of the genus Gazella and related genera of Africa and Asia, characteristically having a slender neck and ringed horns.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
Any of various swift-running ruminant mammals of the family Bovidae, native to Africa and Eurasia and having unbranched horns.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Gazelle
An antelope of either of the genera Gazella (mostly native to Africa) or Procapra (native to Asia), capable of running at high speeds for long periods.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Gazelle
One of several small, swift, elegantly formed species of antelope, of the genus Gazella, esp. G. dorcas; - called also algazel, corinne, korin, and kevel. The gazelles are celebrated for the luster and soft expression of their eyes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Gazelle
Small swift graceful antelope of Africa and Asia having lustrous eyes
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
Any of several African mammals of the family Bovidae distinguished by hollow horns, which, unlike deer, they do not shed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
A fierce legendary creature said to live on the banks of the Euphrates, having long serrated horns and being hard to catch.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
One of a group of ruminant quadrupeds, intermediate between the deer and the goat. The horns are usually annulated, or ringed. There are many species in Africa and Asia.
The antelope and wolf both fierce and fell.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
Antelope
Graceful Old World ruminant with long legs and horns directed upward and backward; includes gazelles; springboks; impalas; addax; gerenuks; blackbucks; dik-diks
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 04, 2019
FAQs
Are Gazelles a type of Antelope?
Yes, all Gazelles are Antelopes, but not all Antelopes are Gazelles.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Which is faster, a Gazelle or an Antelope?
Gazelles are among the fastest Antelopes, but speeds vary among Antelope species.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Do all Antelopes have horns?
Most Antelopes have horns, but the presence and size vary by species and gender.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Where are Gazelles typically found?
Gazelles are mainly found in the open plains and deserts of Africa and parts of Asia.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
How many species of Gazelle are there?
There are about 13 recognized species of Gazelle.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Is "pronghorn" another name for Antelope?
While pronghorns are often called "American Antelopes", they're not true Antelopes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Are Gazelles endangered?
Some Gazelle species are at risk, but conservation efforts are in place.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
What is the main difference between a Gazelle and other Antelopes?
Gazelles are a specific type of Antelope, typically smaller and known for their speed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Why do Gazelles "pronk" or "stot"?
It's believed to be a way to show fitness and deter predators.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Is there a significant size difference between male and female Antelopes?
In many Antelope species, males are larger and often have larger or more pronounced horns.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Are all Antelopes native to Africa?
While most are native to Africa, some Antelope species are also found in Asia.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
What are the main predators of Gazelles?
Gazelles are preyed upon by large predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
What do Gazelles typically eat?
Gazelles are herbivores and mainly graze on grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Do all Antelopes live in herds?
Many Antelope species are social and live in herds, but the structure and size of the herd can vary.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Are Antelopes and deer the same?
No, while they might look similar, Antelopes and deer belong to different families.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
