Lagomorpha: The Hoppy World of Bunnies

Lagomorpha is a scientific classification that encompasses rabbits and hares. These little creatures are known for their long ears, quick hops, and cute appeal. But don’t let their adorable appearance fool you; Lagomorpha is a mysterious and complex world of bunny business.

Classification

Lagomorpha may sound like a complicated term, but it’s a straightforward classification. The term comes from a combination of two Greek words - lagos meaning hare and morphe meaning shape. In other words, Lagomorpha means the hare-shaped creatures.

Habitat

Lagomorphs can be found all around the world except in Antarctica, where penguins dominate the scene. You can even find them in cities, munching on grass in parks like miniature lawnmowers. They are primarily herbivores and eat grass, clover, and other leafy plants.

Social life

Bunnies are social creatures that thrive on companionship. They live in groups, and the rabbits in a group are known as a warren. Each warren has a dominant female rabbit who leads and protects the others. This boss lady is called a doe, and she is mother to all the baby bunnies.

Reproduction

Ah, reproduction, the favorite topic of middle school science classes. In the bunny world, reproduction happens fast and furiously. A doe can give birth to about four to twelve baby bunnies in a single litter. That’s right, not one, not two, but a dozen baby bunnies! These adorable little fluffballs are called kits, which sounds much cuter than its scientific name.

Threats

While it may seem that bunnies have it easy in the cuddly world, they face some serious threats. Predators like dogs, cats, and foxes are just a few of the creatures that have bunnies on their menu. Not to mention, human-induced threats like habitat loss and pollution.