Are Rats and Rabbits Related?

While rats and rabbits are closely related in appearance and behavior, they are actually two different species. Rabbits are lagomorphs, and rats are rodents. Though the two are closely related, they are not related enough to breed in captivity. Because of this, you may be wondering: Are rats and rabbits related?

Despite their close similarities, rats and rabbits are more closely related to humans than most people think. Although they have long been considered rodents, they share many anatomical features with apes and monkeys. In fact, these two groups are sister groups in the Glires superorder.

While rabbits are considered rodents, their bodies and diets are very different. Rats and mice are mammals that have placentas. Rabbits, on the other hand, are placental mammals, which means that they have a short reproductive cycle and give birth to multiple live young. The two species also share a common diet: plant matter.

While rabbits and rats have a similar body structure and physiology, there are important differences between rats and rabbits in their teeth. While rabbits have a full set of upper and lower incisors, rodents have varying numbers of premolars and molars. They also lack canine teeth, and some are omnivorous. However, unlike humans, rodents have teeth with enamel. Scientists believe this is due to the addition of minerals and iron to their teeth.

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