For those who have or have ever had a rabbit as a pet, it is not uncommon that they have heard, or even said themselves, that rabbits gnaw and destroy everything, since it is his rodent instinct. But are rabbits rodents? The answer is a resounding NO, rabbits are not rodents, they are lagomorphs, does that word sound familiar to you?
In this article on our site we explain everything about why rabbits are not rodents and what a lagomorph is. find out?
Types of rodents
When we speak of rodents, we are referring to a group of mammals, those of the order Rodentia, which encompasses many species, approximately a total of 2,300 species that are distributed all over the world. The order of rodents is considered to be the most varied, since it is the one with the largest number of different species.
Some of the most common and well-known rodents are mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters or squirrels, although there are also others such as porcupines or beavers within this order. As we can see, they are very different species, covering really different sizes and aspects. However, all of them have in common that they are quadrupedal (they go on all fours) and have teeth that feature two enormous incisors that never stop growing.
Since rabbits also have incisors that do not stop growing, why do we say that rabbits are not rodents?
What is a lagomorph?
But if rabbits aren't rodents, what are they? Rabbits are lagomorphs, that is, they belong to another biological order, shared with species such as hares or pikes. For centuries they were considered rodents, and it was not until the 20th century that the distinction between rodents and lagomorphs was made.
Lagomorphs have a bony structure and an anatomy closer to that of artiodactyls (hoofed mammals such as goats or deer), since they also have legs ending in fingers and share some physical characteristics, something that does not happen in rodents.
Differences between lagomorphs and rodents
As we have seen, a rodent is not the same as a lagomorph. The main differences between them are those related to their teeth, which in both cases do not stop growing, and are as follows:
- Rodents have a single pair of incisors on the upper part, both of equal size, whose enamel only covers the front part.
- Lagomorphs have two pairs of incisors at the top of their mouth, a larger central one and a smaller pair than the follows, being completely covered with enamel.
- Lagomorphs have a more extensive and thick fur, covering all the extremities, which does not happen in rodents.
- Rodents can be omnivores, while lagomorphs are strictly herbivores.
- Lagomorphs live in burrows underground. For their part, rodents adapt and can live on the surface, but also underground.
Are guinea pigs rodents?
Indeed, although their appearance, essentially that of some breeds such as the Peruvian guinea pig, may resemble a rabbit more, guinea pigs are rodents They are considered rodents because they have only two incisors in their upper jaw, with the characteristic lack of enamel in the entire tooth.
Something that can confuse us is that, unlike other rodents such as rats, mice or hamsters, guinea pigs are not omnivores, but herbivores. However, they are not the only herbivorous rodents, as coypus, chinchillas and red squirrels, for example, are also strictly herbivorous.
Are rabbits mammals?
Yes, rabbits are mammalsbecause they gestate the kits in the womb and are then fed with milk that the mother produces through her breasts. To learn more about its reproduction and gestation process, don't miss these articles:
- Pregnancy in rabbits
- How do rabbits reproduce?
