The scientific name of a rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus. This name is used worldwide in biology, zoology, and academic research to identify the most common species of rabbit, especially the European rabbit, from which most domestic rabbits are derived.
Understanding the scientific classification of rabbits helps students, researchers, and animal lovers learn more about their origin, behavior, and biological characteristics.
Scientific Classification of Rabbit
Below is the complete taxonomic classification of a rabbit:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Family: Leporidae
- Genus: Oryctolagus
- Species: Oryctolagus cuniculus
This classification shows that rabbits are mammals belonging to the Lagomorpha order, which also includes hares and pikas.
Meaning of the Scientific Name Oryctolagus cuniculus
The scientific name has Greek and Latin roots:
- Orycto means to dig
- Lagus means hare
- Cuniculus means burrow or underground passage
Together, Oryctolagus cuniculus describes an animal that digs burrows and lives underground, which perfectly matches rabbit behavior.
Types of Rabbits and Their Scientific Names
While Oryctolagus cuniculus is the most widely known rabbit species, there are other rabbit species across the world:
- European Rabbit: Oryctolagus cuniculus
- Eastern Cottontail Rabbit: Sylvilagus floridanus
- Desert Cottontail Rabbit: Sylvilagus audubonii
- Volcano Rabbit: Romerolagus diazi
- Amami Rabbit: Pentalagus furnessi
Domestic pet rabbits mainly belong to Oryctolagus cuniculus.
Difference Between Rabbit and Hare (Scientific View)
Many people confuse rabbits and hares, but scientifically they are different:
| Feature | Rabbit | Hare |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Group | Oryctolagus / Sylvilagus | Lepus |
| Habitat | Burrows | Open land |
| Babies | Born blind & hairless | Born with fur & open eyes |
| Domestication | Yes | No |
Characteristics of Rabbits
Some key characteristics of rabbits include:
- Herbivorous mammals
- Long ears and strong hind legs
- Excellent hearing and fast runners
- Social animals that live in groups
- Lifespan of 8–12 years (domestic rabbits)
What Are the Most Common Breeds of Rabbits?
Rabbits come in many different breeds, each with unique size, appearance, temperament, and care needs. Some rabbit breeds are popular as pets, while others are raised for meat, fur, or show purposes. Below are the most common rabbit breeds found worldwide, especially suitable for beginners and animal lovers.
What Are the Most Common Breeds of Rabbits?
Rabbits come in many different breeds, each with unique size, appearance, temperament, and care needs. Some rabbit breeds are popular as pets, while others are raised for meat, fur, or show purposes. Below are the most common rabbit breeds found worldwide, especially suitable for beginners and animal lovers.
Comparison Table of Common Rabbit Breeds
| Breed Name | Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Large | Meat & pets |
| Californian | Medium | Farming |
| Dutch | Small | Pets |
| Holland Lop | Small | Pets |
| Flemish Giant | Very Large | Pets & shows |
| Rex | Medium | Fur & pets |
| Angora | Medium | Wool |
| Lionhead | Small | Pets |
| Himalayan | Medium | Pets |
FAQs
What is the scientific name of a rabbit?
Answer: The scientific name of a rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus.
Are all rabbits called Oryctolagus cuniculus?
Answer: No, only European and domestic rabbits are called Oryctolagus cuniculus. Other species have different scientific names.
What class does a rabbit belong to?
Answer: Rabbits belong to the class Mammalia.
What is the order of a rabbit?
Answer: Rabbits belong to the order Lagomorpha.
Is a rabbit a rodent?
Answer: No, rabbits are not rodents. They belong to the order Lagomorpha, which is different from rodents.