Brian Christopher, age 10, of Las Curces, N.M., for his question:

HOW DID THE SPRINGBOK GET ITS NAME?

The springbok, sometimes called the springbuck, is an antelope that lives on the open plains of southern Africa. It received its name from its habit of repeatedly springing 10 feet into the air when frightened, and then racing off at high speed.

A springbok looks very much like a gazelle.

The springbok has a fringe of long white hairs in the middle of its back that stands erect when the animal is frightened. For this reason, the Portuguese in Angola call this animal the goat of the fan.

A slender and graceful springbok will stand about 2 1/2 feet high and weigh from 70 to 80 pounds. Both male and female springboks have curved, lyre shaped horns that may grow to be from 14 to 17 inches long.