Turns out, they're related via a common ancestor, Protylopus, which was basically a really short old school llama with four-toed hooves (!).This was where their shared family, Camelidae, started - making both alpacas & llamas "Camelids".
Both Camelids have been bred for over 5,000 years, each for a different purpose: Alpacas have been bred for fiber, while llamas have been bred for pack animals. They come from South America (especially Peru).
You're welcome.
Am I the only one that didn't know any of this stuff?!
Let me know in the comments!
xoxo J