Lagomorpha

Lagomorphs Fossil range: Early Eocene–Recent PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Pika, Ochotona princeps, in Sequoia National Park
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Eutheria Superorder: Euarchontoglires Order: Lagomorpha Brandt, 1855
Families
Leporidae Ochotonidae Prolagidae (extinct)

Lagomorpha is an order of large-eared, terrestrial mammals that comprises the rabbits, hares, and pikas. Members of the order are characterized by large ears, a second peg-like upper incisor behind the primary incisor, a single layer of enamel in the front incisors, lack of canine teeth, generally hair on the soles of the feet, and the practice of coprophagy (reingestion of feces). The two extant families are the the Leporidae (hares and rabbits), and the Ochotonidae (pikas). Lagomorphs are distributed widely around the world, whether as native or introduced species. There are about 90 species.

intro to Australia, etc. p. 480

Overview and description

Lagomorphs (Order Lagomorpha) can resemble rodents and once were classified in Order Rodentia. However, even then they were separated as a distinct group, Duplicendetata, based on having a second, small, peg-like upper incisor nestling behind the first, large, continually-growing primary incisor. Rodents lack this second incisor behind the primary. In addition to having four incisors in the upper jaw, not two as in the Rodentia, the front incisors of lagomorphs have a single layer of enamel versus a double layer in rodents. Furthermore, unlike in rodents, the enamel of lagomorphs surrounds the incisors on all sides and is not colored by stored pigments (Smith 2004).

Lagomorphs also are distinguished from rodents by being almost wholly herbivorous, whereas many of the rodents will eat both meat and vegetation; the few recorded exceptions within the Lagomorpha occur among members of both Lepus and Ochotona, and involve the occasional foraging for carrion as a supplementary winter food source (Best and Henry 1994; eNature 2007; Taiga.net). In addition, the male's scrotum is in front of the penis, unlike rodents, where it is behind), and the penis contains no bone (baculum), unlike in rodents.

However, lagomorphs resemble rodents in that their teeth grow throughout their life, thus necessitating constant chewing to keep them from growing too long.

Other characteristics of lagomorphs are large to huge ears compared to their body and short tails, which are not even visible in pikas. The soles of the feet are covered with hair, with the exception of the distal-most toe pads in pikas, with the hairs on the soles rectangular as viewed in cross-section. They have long fur. Extant lagomorphs all practice reingestion of their feces (coprophagy), and there is only oneopening for reproduction, urine, and feces (Smith 2004).

Members of the Leporidae (hares and rabbits) have long legs, large hind feet, and have added strength and lightness in their legs by having the tibia and fibula fused distally. They tend to be larger than pikas, ranging from 25 to 75 centimeters (10-30 inches) in length and from 0.4 to 6.0 kilograms (14 ounces to 13.2 pounds) in weight (Smith 2004).

Members of the Ochotonidae (pikas) tend to be more egg-shaped and range from 13 to 20 centimeters in length and 80 to 300 grams (3-10 ounces) in weight (Smith 2004).

The name of the order is derived from the Greek lagos (λαγος), meaning "hare," and morphē (μορφή), meaning "form," and thus means "hare-shaped."

Classification

• ORDER LAGOMORPHA
  • Family Ochotonidae: pikas
    • Genus Ochotona
  • Family †Prolagidae: Sardinian Pika and other related extinct pikas
    • Genus †Prolagus
  • Family Leporidae: rabbits and hares
    • Genus Brachylagus
    • Genus Bunolagus
    • Genus Caprolagus
    • Genus Lepus
    • Genus Nesolagus
    • Genus Oryctolagus
    • Genus Pentalagus
    • Genus Poelagus
    • Genus Pronolagus
    • Genus Romerolagus
    • Genus Sylvilagus

See also

• Minorcan Giant Lagomorph

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Hoffmann, R. S., and A. T. Smith. 2005. Pages 185-211 in D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder, eds., [Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition.. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0801882214.

• Smith, A.T. 2004. Lagomorpha (Pikas, rabbits, and hares). Pages 479 to 489 in B. Grzimek et al., Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia. Detroit, MI: Thomson/Gale. ISBN 0787657921.

Column 105 Pikas are not picky eaters

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