Even-toed ungulates, or Artiodactyla, are a diverse mammalian order characterized by having an even number of toes on each foot, usually two or four. This group includes many familiar species such as pigs, camels, deer, giraffes, and cattle. They inhabit a wide range of environments across the globe, from the African savannas to Arctic tundra. Artiodactyls evolved around 50 million years ago, diversifying into numerous niches. They possess various adaptations for survival, such as ruminant digestion in cattle and deer, and remarkable migratory abilities in wildebeests. Their evolutionary success is partly due to their efficient locomotion and specialized diets.

Even-toed ungulates typically have sturdy bodies with an even number of toes on each hoof—often two or four—which aids in weight distribution and stability. Many, like deer and giraffes, have elongated legs for swift running, crucial for escaping predators. Their varied teeth structures, such as the flat molars of cows, are perfect for grinding vegetation. Some species, like pigs, have a keen sense of smell, aiding in food search. Communication varies: pigs grunt, deer bellow. These adaptations have enabled even-toed ungulates to thrive in diverse habitats, from grasslands to forests, showcasing their remarkable evolutionary journey.

Humans have had a long relationship with even-toed ungulates, utilizing them as sources of meat, milk, leather, and labor. Domesticated species like cows, pigs, and goats are central to agriculture and have been for millennia. In pop culture, characters like Pumbaa from "The Lion King" have endeared these animals to the public.

While many even-toed ungulates are domesticated, some wild species face threats from habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these species; for instance, the comeback of the American bison is a conservation success story, symbolizing the potential for coexistence and the restoration of natural ecosystems.