Donkey and ass: what are the correct names and what is the difference?

Not everyone can tell the difference between a donkey and a muscular ass. Even if you ask, it takes time, and only a few can give a definitive answer. Perhaps we're talking about the same animal, but it just has two names.

This question once again makes one marvel at how rich the Russian language is. It contains countless different words and phrases that can be used to express the same idea. But there are still situations when it is incorrect and even improper to use interchangeable wordsBecause otherwise, the meaning of what was said would completely change. Therefore, before saying something, it's important to know the appropriate context. Most people believe that a donkey and a mule are the same animal. But is this statement true?

Origin of words

Even today, no one has any precise information about the origins of the word "donkey," just as only experts know how long donkeys live. Some scholars hypothesize that the word is derived from the Latin "asinus." Experts do not have an exact translation of it., they can only say in general terms what it means. It's a small animal, resembling a horse with hooves, that periodically makes a loud roar.

If we look at the history of the origin of the word "donkey", we can see a close connection with the Turkic languages. And in the description you can immediately recognize exactly that animal, which many of us associate with the donkey. Biologists hypothesize that the donkey is a descendant of Somali ancestors. Therefore, since ancient times, this animal has served as a faithful assistant to humans on the farm.

Historians have also weighed in. According to them, the first representatives of this species appeared in northern Africa. From there, they gradually began to spread throughout the Middle East and Asia.

What is the difference between a donkey and a mule?

In fact, this animal can be described as small, gray, and very stubborn. But only non-specialists can give such an answer to the question posed. Therefore, it the statement will not correspond to realityIn fact, donkeys have many virtues. These animals possess such qualities as:

• ease of care;
• unfussy eating habits;
• high endurance;
• high load capacity.

There are many signs that can be cited to conclude that this animal is better suited for human use in the household than a horse. What is the difference? Between a donkey and a jackass? If you look into it, there are no significant differences between them. After all, we're talking about the same species. They differ only in their names, which indicate their habitat.

The virtues of a stubborn donkey

If you look at photos of these animals, it's immediately clear that there aren't any significant differences between them. But surely few would refuse to learn about their advantages. Both of these animals have an excellent self-preservation instinct. Everyone knows that a horse will easily die if it is driven to deathBut you can't do the same with a donkey. It will demand rest, and if it doesn't get it, it won't move. This characteristic is the reason for the widespread belief that these animals are very stubborn.

Interesting facts about the little gray animal

• The donkey and the horse are close relatives.
• In the natural environment, they live in herds, the number of which can reach around 1000 individuals.
• In ancient times, the donkey was especially revered by the Indo-Europeans, who elevated it to the rank of a sacred animal.
• Donkeys are long-lived animals, living on average 30 years. However, there are historically confirmed records of individual donkeys living up to 60 years.

What is the difference between a donkey, a mule and a ass?

A mule is considered to be a hybrid bred by crossing a male donkey and a female horse. Therefore he can show signs that are typical for each of his parentsHe resembles his father in his long ears and the same drawn-out roar. All other traits were inherited from his mother. Given this animal's remarkable endurance, it has also become widely used in commercial farming.

Benefits of donkeys for humans

Today, many ethnic groups breed donkeys. And this is no coincidence, as these animals are extremely beneficial.

• In Mexico and Central America, this animal is a popular form of transportation. Don't underestimate the donkey, as in some cases it can be more efficient than a car or even the most powerful horse.
• During Cleopatra's reign, breeding females to provide milk for their owners was a popular practice. This product was considered very beneficial due to its properties: it aided weight loss, had a rejuvenating effect, and brightened the complexion;
• Donkeys are widely represented in many countries. Our country, where donkey farms operate, is no exception. However, they are not created simply for the sake of profit. These animals are prized for their wool, meat, and milk. Moreover, the number of people seeking these products increases every year.

This lop-eared animal has also become a popular image used in many cartoons. And if you ask children a question If you were to name their favorite characters, they'd likely remember this animal. In each case, donkeys are portrayed as kind-hearted creatures with vulnerable souls.

Thus, a donkey and an ass are the same type of animal, so it will not be a mistake to use one or the other name in any situation.

Conclusion

The donkey is an animal that everyone knows from early childhood. Although it's often called a "jackass," there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, that's exactly it; the donkey is one of those rare animals that has several names. Therefore, It is wrong to consider a donkey as a completely different speciesAfter all, if you try to find out how long donkeys live, there won’t be any difference here either.

It's the same animal, but it can be called by different names depending on where it lives. Even if you get to know this animal better, it becomes clear that a donkey and a ass have identical characteristicsThis is already sufficient reason to state that donkey and ass are the name of the same animal.