Rabbit Taxonomy: A Hierarchical Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the taxonomic classification of rabbits, starting from the broadest category and going down:
* Domain: Eukarya (organisms with complex cells)
* Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
* Phylum: Chordata (animals with a spinal cord)
* Class: Mammalia (animals that nurse their young)
* Order: Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares, and pikas)
* Family: Leporidae (rabbits and hares)
* Genus: *Oryctolagus* (European rabbits and their close relatives)
* Species: *Oryctolagus cuniculus* (the European rabbit)
Key Points:
* Lagomorphs: While often called "rodents", rabbits belong to a separate order called Lagomorpha. The key difference is that Lagomorphs have two pairs of upper incisors (one pair in front of the other), while rodents have only one.
* Domesticated Rabbits: The vast majority of pet rabbits are descended from the European rabbit (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*). This includes various breeds like Dutch, Lionhead, and Holland Lop.
* Wild Rabbits: Many other species of rabbits exist in the wild, like the Eastern Cottontail (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) and the Black-Tailed Jackrabbit (*Lepus californicus*).
Note: This is a simplified overview. There are further subcategories and variations depending on specific species and breeds. However, this provides a general understanding of the rabbit's position in the animal kingdom.