Which type of animal is most similar to rodents?

While there's no single animal that's *exactly* like rodents, the lagomorphs, which include rabbits, hares, and pikas, share a lot of similarities with them.

Here's why:

* Similar body shape and size: Both rodents and lagomorphs generally have small, compact bodies, with long ears and tails.

* Herbivorous diet: Both groups primarily feed on plants, with a similar digestive system adapted for processing tough vegetation.

* Large incisors: Both have large, continuously growing front teeth (incisors) that are ideal for gnawing and chewing.

* Shared evolutionary history: Rodents and lagomorphs are both part of the same order, Glires, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship.

However, there are also some key differences:

* Number of incisors: Rodents have two large incisors in each jaw, while lagomorphs have four.

* Digestive system: Lagomorphs have a more complex digestive system with a second chamber called a caecum, which helps them digest cellulose more efficiently.

* Reproductive habits: Rodents typically have litters of young, while lagomorphs usually give birth to a single offspring.

Therefore, while lagomorphs are the closest relatives of rodents, they also have some distinct characteristics that set them apart.