Which family is most closely related to giraffes?

The choice of Antilocapridae as the family most closely related to giraffes can be understood through the evolutionary relationships within the order Artiodactyla, which includes even-toed ungulates. Giraffes are part of the family Giraffidae, which also includes the okapi. Antilocapridae, which includes the pronghorn antelope, shares a relatively close evolutionary history with Giraffidae due to their common ancestry within this order.

Giraffes and pronghorns exhibit certain anatomical and ecological similarities, establishing a connection in their evolutionary lineage. In particular, both groups have adaptations suited for browsing and grazing, indicating a shared evolutionary strategy. In contrast, the other families listed—Caprifolidae (which includes honeysuckle plants), Bovidae (which includes animals like cows, bison, and goats), and Cervidae (which includes deer)—reflect different evolutionary paths and adaptations that are not as closely aligned with that of giraffes.

By understanding these relationships and characteristics, one can appreciate why Antilocapridae is the correct choice in the context of the relatedness of these animals.