Thelma Smith, age 11, of Casper, Wyo., for her question:

HOW LARGE IS THE IBEX?

Ibex is any of several species of wild, old World goat, characterized by enormous back curving horns, which in the male measure from 30 to 48 inches. The Alpine ibex, which is representative of the genus, stands about 40 inches high.

The Alpine ibex is brownish gray in color and associates in herds of five to 20 members in craggy terrain between the timber and snow lines of the Alps. It is remarkably sure footed and is know for its agility in leaping about rocky ledges.

The male wears a beard but the female doesn't. The female also has shorter horns than the male.

The largest ibex is native to the Himalayan Mountains of Central Asia.

The ibex has been heavily hunted and is now protected.

The animal is readily tamed. Scientists believe that it is an ancestor of today's domestic goat.