llama
COMPARE MEANINGS
Origin of llama
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH llama
lama, llamaWords nearby llama
LLAMA VS. ALPACA
Whatâs the difference between llamas and alpacas?
Llamas and alpacas are closely-related animals, and they look similar, but they are two different species.
They have a lot in common. Both the llama and the alpaca are thought to be domesticated varieties of the wild South American animal known as the guanaco. They are both ruminant animalsâhoofed, four-legged mammals that eat grass and other plants. And they both belong to the genus Lama and to the family that also includes camels.
So how are they different?
Llamas are bigger. Theyâre known for their strength, endurance, and high thirst tolerance. For this reason, theyâre often used as work animals to carry things over long distances.
Alpacas are smaller, with shorter ears. They are much fluffier than llamas, with fuzzy âbangsâ that can partly hide their eyes. Their coats are very soft and silky, and theyâre usually raised for their fleece, which is used to make very soft yarn or fabric.
So, the best way to tell the difference is by size and fluffiness. If it looks big and strong, like it can carry a lot of stuff, itâs probably a llama. If itâs smaller and fluffier, and its fleece looks like it could be used to make really soft mittens, itâs probably an alpaca.
Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between llamas and alpacas.
Quiz yourself on llamas vs. alpacas!
True or False?Â
Llamas and alpacas are completely unrelated.Â