Explanation: The common name 'white-bearded gnu' is one of several alternative designations for the blue wildebeest, reflecting its distinctive facial hair.

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the blue wildebeest is classified within the genus *Connochaetes* and the family Bovidae, not *Antilope* (a genus of antelope) or Cervidae (the deer family).

Explanation: The scientific consensus recognizes five distinct subspecies of the blue wildebeest, not three.

Explanation: The initial scientific description of *Connochaetes taurinus* was provided by William John Burchell in 1823, not Charles Darwin in 1850.

Explanation: The Greek roots *konnos* (beard) and *khaitē* (flowing hair/mane) refer to the animal's distinctive beard and mane, not simply 'horned beast'.

Explanation: The epithet *taurinus* is derived from the Greek word for bull (*tauros*), likely referencing the animal's robust build, rather than 'swift runner'.

Explanation: The name 'gnu' is derived from the Khoikhoi language, not Zulu.

Explanation: While *taurinus* relates to 'bull', the genus name *Connochaetes* refers to the beard and mane, not horns. Therefore, 'horned bull' is an incomplete interpretation.

Explanation: Common names for the blue wildebeest include common wildebeest, white-bearded gnu, and brindled gnu. The black wildebeest (*Connochaetes gnou*) is a distinct, though related, species.

Explanation: The blue wildebeest is classified within the family Bovidae, which includes a wide range of ruminant mammals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and various antelope species.

Explanation: There are five recognized subspecies of *Connochaetes taurinus*, reflecting variations across its geographic range.

Explanation: William John Burchell, an English naturalist, provided the initial scientific description of *Connochaetes taurinus* in 1823.

Explanation: The genus name *Connochaetes* originates from the Greek words *konnos* (beard) and *khaitē* (flowing hair or mane), describing prominent physical characteristics.

Explanation: The term *taurinus* derives from *tauros* (bull), suggesting the epithet refers to the animal's robust, bull-like build.

Explanation: The name 'gnu' is derived from the Khoikhoi people's terminology for these animals.

Explanation: Adult blue wildebeest are characterized by a robust, muscular build, particularly in the forequarters, and possess a broad, rather than pointed, muzzle.

Explanation: The correct diploid chromosome number for the blue wildebeest is 58, not 60.

Explanation: Blue wildebeest exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males generally being larger and more robust than females.

Explanation: The high efficiency of their musculature, around 62.6%, is a key physiological adaptation enabling sustained locomotion.

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, blue wildebeest possess prominent, stiff, black manes and tails, not short and brown ones.

Explanation: The statement is accurate; male blue wildebeest horns can indeed grow to lengths of approximately 83 cm.

Explanation: The interdigital glands, used for scent marking, are located exclusively on the forelegs of the blue wildebeest, not the hind legs.

Explanation: Domestic cattle (*Bos taurus*) possess a diploid chromosome number of 60, whereas the blue wildebeest has 58.

Explanation: Adult blue wildebeest are known for their heavy build, prominent shoulders, and a distinctive broad muzzle, distinguishing them from more slender antelope species.

Explanation: The blue wildebeest possesses a diploid set of 58 chromosomes.

Explanation: Sexual dimorphism in blue wildebeest is evident, with males generally exhibiting greater size and a darker coat coloration compared to females.

Explanation: The remarkable efficiency of their musculature (approx. 62.6%) is crucial for sustaining prolonged movement, enabling them to cover vast distances, often in search of water and grazing.

Explanation: The manes of the white-bearded subspecies are described as 'lank,' meaning they hang downwards, unlike the upright manes found in the common wildebeest (*C. t. taurinus*) and Nyassaland wildebeest.

Explanation: Chemical analysis of secretions from the interdigital glands has revealed compounds such as cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, phenol, and various short-chain carboxylic acids, likely involved in scent marking.

Explanation: As a grazer, the blue wildebeest's diet is predominantly composed of short grasses, for which its dentition and mouth structure are adapted, rather than acacia leaves and bark.

Explanation: Their preferred habitat consists of open plains and savannas with abundant short grasses, not dense forests or high mountainous regions.

Explanation: The native range of the blue wildebeest includes countries such as Angola, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, but not Nigeria, Ethiopia, or Sudan.

Explanation: The northern limits of the blue wildebeest's range are generally considered to be Lake Victoria and Mount Kenya, not the Zambezi River, which lies further south.

Explanation: While blue wildebeest inhabit areas including Botswana, fossil evidence is frequently cited from South African paleontological sites such as Elandsfontein, Cornelia, and Florisbad.

Explanation: This interspecies association is beneficial, as zebras consume taller grasses, exposing shorter, more nutritious grasses preferred by wildebeest, thus improving foraging for both.

Explanation: When water sources are accessible, blue wildebeest prefer to drink frequently, usually daily or every second day, consuming significant quantities, rather than only every few days.

Explanation: While underground springs may be utilized, their survival in arid areas also relies on extracting moisture from succulent plant parts like roots, tubers, and melons.

Explanation: As obligate grazers, blue wildebeest primarily consume short grasses, which are abundant in their preferred savanna and grassland habitats.

Explanation: Their ecological niche is characterized by open grasslands and savannas that provide ample access to the short grasses essential for their diet.

Explanation: The native range of the blue wildebeest encompasses southern and eastern Africa, including countries like Tanzania and Kenya, but does not extend to Egypt.

Explanation: The northern extent of the blue wildebeest's natural distribution is generally defined by regions around Lake Victoria and Mount Kenya in East Africa.

Explanation: Elandsfontein, among other South African sites like Cornelia and Florisbad, is a significant location for finding fossil remains of the blue wildebeest.

Explanation: This interspecific relationship is commensal; zebras graze the upper grass layers, making the shorter, more nutritious growth accessible to wildebeest, thereby enhancing foraging efficiency for both species.

Explanation: During dry periods or in arid landscapes, wildebeest can obtain essential moisture by consuming specific plant parts, including water-rich roots, tubers, and fruits like melons.

Explanation: Blue wildebeest are highly gregarious animals, forming large herds that undertake significant migrations, contrary to living solitary lives.

Explanation: Blue wildebeest exhibit crepuscular activity patterns, being most active during dawn and dusk, and often resting during the hottest parts of the day.

Explanation: During rapid locomotion, blue wildebeest often exhibit characteristic behaviors such as head tossing and tail waving, rather than maintaining a lowered head and still tail.

Explanation: Boundary marking involves multiple modalities, including visual, olfactory (dung heaps, scent glands), and auditory signals, not solely vocalizations.

Explanation: With speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, blue wildebeest are agile and possess considerable speed, which is a primary defense mechanism against predators.

Explanation: Blue wildebeest exhibit crepuscular activity, meaning they are most active during the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon, often resting during the midday heat.

Explanation: Blue wildebeest are capable of achieving speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (approximately 50 miles per hour), enabling them to evade predators.

Explanation: Territorial marking involves olfactory cues derived from dung heaps and secretions from specialized scent glands, alongside behavioral displays.

Explanation: In managed environments, blue wildebeest typically live for about 20 years, with some individuals exceeding this duration, rather than the stated 10 years.

Explanation: Calves are typically born with a tawny brown coat, which transitions to the adult coloration over several months, rather than being dark grey.

Explanation: Male blue wildebeest generally attain sexual maturity closer to two years of age, not 16 months.

Explanation: The rut is a concentrated period, generally lasting about three weeks, coinciding with the end of the rainy season.

Explanation: Births usually occur during daylight hours, providing the newborn calf immediate protection within the herd and allowing it to gain footing before nightfall.

Explanation: Calves maintain a nursing relationship with their mothers for an extended period, often up to eight months, not just shortly after birth.

Explanation: In controlled environments, the average lifespan for captive blue wildebeest is approximately 20 years, with some individuals living longer.

Explanation: Females can achieve reproductive capability as early as 16 months, provided they are in good nutritional condition, although many may delay breeding until slightly later.

Explanation: The rut is synchronized with the end of the rainy season, a period when abundant new grass growth ensures optimal nutritional status for reproduction.

Explanation: The synchronized rutting period facilitates a highly efficient breeding season, with conception rates often reaching as high as 95% among the female population.

Explanation: Newborn blue wildebeest calves typically weigh around 19 kilograms (approximately 42 pounds).

Explanation: Calves maintain a nursing relationship with their mothers for an extended period, often up to approximately eight months, which coincides with the gestation period for the subsequent calf.

Explanation: The blue wildebeest is listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, indicating a relatively stable and widespread population, not endangered.

Explanation: Current estimates place the total population of blue wildebeest at around 1.5 million individuals, significantly higher than 500,000.

Explanation: Namibia is cited as a country where the blue wildebeest population had become extinct but was later successfully reintroduced.

Explanation: Common diseases affecting blue wildebeest include foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax, and sarcoptic mange. Rabies and tuberculosis are less frequently cited as primary concerns for the species.

Explanation: The statement accurately identifies deforestation and poaching as major threats contributing to population decline, alongside other habitat-related pressures.

Explanation: Fences can impede migration, leading to wildebeest being cut off from essential resources like water and grazing, resulting in significant mortality, particularly during droughts.

Explanation: The eastern white-bearded subspecies faces significant population decline, with estimates far below 50,000, indicating a conservation concern.

Explanation: As a charismatic megafauna and a key component of the savanna ecosystem, the blue wildebeest is a major draw for ecotourism across the continent.

Explanation: Historically, the primary utilization of blue wildebeest by humans has been for their hides, which yield leather, and for their meat, although the latter is often described as coarse.

Explanation: Wildebeest populations can act as reservoirs for diseases such as rinderpest, posing a significant risk to domestic cattle herds.

Explanation: A notable artifact, a carved slate slab from Hierakonpolis dating to approximately 3000 BC, features an animal strongly resembling the blue wildebeest, suggesting a possible ancient presence or interaction in North Africa.

Explanation: The IUCN classifies the blue wildebeest as 'Least Concern' due to its large population size and wide distribution, although localized threats exist.

Explanation: The global population of blue wildebeest is estimated to be around 1.5 million individuals, indicating a healthy population status overall.

Explanation: Namibia is cited as a nation where the blue wildebeest population had previously become extinct but has since been reintroduced through conservation efforts.

Explanation: While wildebeest are susceptible to various pathogens, malaria is not commonly listed among the primary diseases impacting their populations, unlike foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax, or mange.

Explanation: The erection of fences across migratory corridors can obstruct access to vital resources, resulting in significant mortality events, particularly during periods of drought.

Explanation: This subspecies has experienced a significant reduction in population size, raising concerns about its long-term viability.

Explanation: The presence of blue wildebeest is a significant attraction for ecotourism, generating revenue through wildlife viewing and safaris across their range.

Explanation: Traditional hunting practices focused on obtaining the hides for leather production and the meat for consumption.

Explanation: Competition for resources and the potential transmission of diseases like rinderpest represent significant negative interactions between wildebeest and livestock.

Explanation: A notable artifact, a carved slate slab from Hierakonpolis dating to approximately 3000 BC, features an animal strongly resembling the blue wildebeest, suggesting a possible ancient presence or interaction in North Africa.