Rabbits are not rodents. Rabbits differ from rodents because, unlike rodents, rabbits have an extra pair of incisors. Rodents are known for their single pair of incisors on each jaw. Sometimes, the Patagonian cavies are often confused with rabbits. This is because of their similarities in ear length, fur structure, and the speed of their movements.
Why are rabbits not rodents?
Rabbits are not rodents for a large number of reasons. Let’s consider some of the reasons why rabbits are not classified as rodents in the animal kingdom.
1. Double Pair Incisor Teeth
The first reason why rabbits are not classified as rodents is that they have double-pair incisor teeth on each jaw. The double incisor teeth on each jaw make them different from rodents because rodents are known for the single incisor teeth of each of their jaws. Along with that, rabbits have white front teeth, unlike rodents whose front teeth are brown.
2. Rabbits Are Obligate Herbivores
This means that rabbits unlike rodents are strict herbivores. This means that they only eat vegetables. However, in comparison to rodents, rodents are not obligate herbivores. Rodents can feed on nuts, grain, and seeds which makes them quite distinct from rabbits in this manner.
Are rabbits rodents or mammals?
Rabbits are classified as mammals. For a while in the past, they were classified as rodents. However, a further look into their skeletal form made it clear that they were mammals. Rabbits are mammals because of their double pair of incisors on both sides of their teeth. A characteristic that rodents lack.
ALSO READ: Can Rabbits Eat Blackberries?
What animals are rodents?
There are 50 different rodent species in the world. Here are some of the discovered rodent species:
1. Rat
2. Murids
3. Squirrel
4. Myomorpha
5. Blesmol
6. Echimyidae
7. Cavies
8. Old World porcupine
9. Chinchilla rat
10. Hystricomorpha
11. New World porcupines
12. Gundi
13. Tuco-tuco
14. Hutia
15. Heteromyidae
16. Octodontidae
17. Nutria
18. Dinomyidae
19. Chinchilla
20. Dormouse
21. Cane rat
22. Anomalure
23. Agouti
24. Paca
25. Brown rat
26. Hamster
27. Dasyproctidae
28. Sciuromorpha
29. Black rat
30. Mus
31. Muroids
32. Cricetidae
33. Guinea pig
34. House mouse
35. Gerbillinae
36. Naked mole-rat
37. Blind mole-rat
38. Mongolian gerbil
39. Dipodidae
40. Chinchillidae
41. Common degu
42. Patagonian mara
43. Castorimorpha
44. Nesomyidae
45. Thryonomyidae
46. Bamboo rat
47. Spalacidae
48. Platacanthomyidae
49. Mouse-like hamsters
50. Sigmodontinae
51. Beaver
Why Are Rabbits Suitable As Pets?
Rabbits are small animals that are suitable as pets for many reasons. Here are some reasons why rabbits are suitable as pets:
1. Rabbits Are Friendly
Rabbits are very friendly animals. They love to play with humans and other animals. They are happy when they play and when they sense a good atmosphere. You can get a rabbit as a pet for your children to play with. They can even be your friends too. Regularly feed your rabbit pet and watch them develop a close bond with them.
2. Rabbits Are Delicate Animals
Rabbits are animals made up of fur. They don’t have bones or sharp skins. Your children can play with them all day. They are super cute and can serve as a pet you can talk to if well trained.
3. Rabbits Are Herbivores
Rabbits feed on vegetation and not flesh like other animals. So, you’re not in danger when you keep a rabbit in your home. They don’t feed on flesh so they are suitable for children and adults. No need to worry about your safety just ensure you don’t starve your rabbits and you’ll be fine. There’s a lot of fun to unlock when you get a rabbit.
FAQ
When did rabbits stop being rodents?
Rabbits stopped being rodents in 1912. In 1912, they were classified under the Mammalia after further research into their skeletal structures and formation.
What kind of animal is a rabbit?
Rabbits are mammals. They are fast-moving animals with elongated ears. Rabbits are also warm-blooded animals with plenty of fur.
Is squirrel a rodent?
Yes. Squirrels are rodents. They have a single pair of incisors teeth on each jaw which makes them classified under Kingdom Mammalia.
Is Racoon a rodent?
Raccoons are mammals. They have powerful jaws and teeth. They are classified as mammals because they possess similar characteristics to mammals such as dogs and cats.
What makes a rabbit not a rodent?
One of the factors that makes a rabbit not a rodent is that while rodents have only two incisor teeth, rabbits have four. Many research has suggested that a smaller set of peg-like teeth behind their top incisors helps rabbits bite through leaves and fruits more easily.
Conclusion
This article has been educational, no doubt. You’ve seen the reason why a rabbit is not regarded as a rodent but instead, it is regarded as a mammal. Thanks to this article, you’ve seen why you should get a rabbit as a pet today. If you found this article helpful, you can share this article to friends who might need it.
