Rabbits are soil
dwellers that live in a variety of environments, from deserts to rainforests
and wetlands. The natural geographic distribution of the Western Hemisphere
includes mid-latitudes. In the Eastern Hemisphere, rabbits are found in Europe,
central and southern Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Sumatra and Japan. The
European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been introduced to many parts of
the world, and all domestic rabbit breeds come from Europe. Nearly half of the
world's rabbit species are threatened with extinction. Many are among the most
vulnerable mammals.
The rabbit's
long ears are probably an adaptation for detecting predators. In addition to
prominent ears up to 6 cm (2 inches or more) long, rabbits have long, powerful
hind legs and short tails. Each paw has 5 numbers (one collapsed). Rabbits move
with their fingertips in a way known as digital movement. With an egg shape and
body, wild rabbits have fairly uniform body proportions and posture. The
smallest is the pygmy rabbit (Brachylogies Idahoans), measuring only 20 cm (7.9
in) long and weighing only 0.4 kg (0.9 lbs.), while the largest grows to over
50 cm (19,7 in) and 2 kg (4.4 in). pound). ). The coat is usually long and
soft, and the color varies from brown, gray to fawn. The exceptions are the
Japanese black amimia rabbit (Pentalogies furless) and the two black-striped
species of Southeast Asia. The tail is usually small ball-shaped fur, usually
brown, but white on top of the North and South American cotton rabbits (genus
Sylvilagus).
Natural history
Although the
European rabbit is the most well-known species, it is also the least common due
to the considerable diversity in the rabbit's natural history. Many rabbits dig
burrows, but the sluggish rabbits and rabbits do not. European rabbits build
the most extensive system of burrows called burrows. Rabbits that do not dig
usually make surface nests, called morphs, under a dense protective covering.
The European hare occupies an open landscape like a field,
It has colonized habitats from stony deserts
to sub-alpine valleys, but has parks and gardens. Most sociable, sometimes
forming groups of up to 20 burrows. However, even in the case of European
rabbits, their social behavior can be very flexible depending on habitat and
other local conditions, so sometimes the main social unit is the territorial
breeding pair. Most rabbits are relatively solitary, sometimes occupying
territory, gathering together for breeding or sometimes feeding in small
groups. During territorial disputes, rabbits sometimes use their forelimbs to
build "boxes". Rabbits are active all year round. No species is known
to hibernate. Rabbits are generally nocturnal and relatively quiet. Aside from
screaming loudly when frightened or caught by predators, the only audible
signal known to most species is a loud stomping of their feet to indicate
alertness or aggression. A notable exception is the Mexican volcanic rabbit
(Remarriages dizi), which has a variety of calls.
Today, there are more than 50 established
domestic rabbit strains, all of which are selectively bred in this species.
Their attractive appearance and calm demeanor make domestic rabbits a wonderful
and relatively undemanding pet. Because rabbits reproduce easily in captivity,
they are also important as laboratory animals for medical and scientific purposes.
However, rabbits can and can transmit diseases such as tularemia and rabbit
fever to humans.
State of Diversity and Conservation
There is no single taxonomic group that makes
up rabbits. Rather, the name refers to the accumulation of ten genera in the
family Leporidae, whose characteristics are intermediate between rabbits and
pikas, other members of the order Lagomorpha. Of the 28 species of rabbits, the
best known and best known are the European rabbit and the 16 species of rabbits
from North and South America. The European hare originally occupied the Iberian
Peninsula and northwestern Africa, but was widely introduced to Western Europe
2,000 years ago. More recently, this species was introduced to marine islands
around the world, parts of Chile and Argentina, and New Zealand and Australia
where it thrives. Most white rabbits are native to North America and prefer
open or rugged habitats.
Evolution and
Classification
The Leporidae lineage (rabbits and hares) has
been relatively unchanged since the Eocene, about 40 million years ago, when
the fossil record was first well documented. Rabbits entered North America at
that time, where they experienced most of their development. About 7 million
years ago (Miocene), they re-established in Asia and migrated to Europe,
leading to their present distribution.
The Leporidae lineage can be clearly separated from the Ochotonid lineage (pikas), the only other lineage belonging to the order Lagomorpha. Morphologically, rabbits and hares have a more arched skull, which correlates with the development of marked motor movements and a relatively upright posture of the head. Reinforced hind legs and pelvic girdle and limb length are also evident.
No comments:
Post a Comment