Guinea Pig
The guinea pig (*Cavia porcellus*) is a domesticated rodent in the cavy family (Caviidae) native to South America.
The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a domesticated rodent in the cavy family (Caviidae) native to South America. It is widely kept as a pet and has also been used in biological research. The species was domesticated in pre-Incan times and later spread to Europe and other regions.
Taxonomy and naming
The guinea pig is a domesticated species of rodent, scientifically named Cavia porcellus. It is also known as the domestic guinea pig or cavy, and belongs to the family Caviidae.
Origin and domestication
Guinea pigs are native to South America and were domesticated in pre-Incan times, likely from wild Andean cavies. Smithsonian states domestication dates to about 5,000 B.C., and later the animals were introduced into Europe in the early 16th century.
Physical characteristics
Guinea pigs are stout, short-legged rodents with small ears and no external tail. Their coat colour and hair texture vary widely among breeds.
Diet and use by humans
Guinea pigs feed mainly on grasses and other green plants. They are commonly kept as companion animals and are also used in scientific research.
Key facts
- Guinea pigs are rodents, not pigs, despite the common name.
- The domesticated guinea pig is Cavia porcellus and belongs to the cavy family, Caviidae.
- The species originated in South America and was domesticated in pre-Incan times.
- Guinea pigs are popular pets and have also been used as laboratory animals in research.
- They are herbivores that feed largely on grass and other green plants.
Guinea pigs are common companion animals in Canada and are also used in some research settings, so they are familiar to Canadian pet owners and readers interested in animal care and laboratory animals.[5][7]
Frequently asked questions
What is a guinea pig?
Are guinea pigs related to pigs?
Where do guinea pigs come from?
How long do guinea pigs live?
What do guinea pigs eat?
Why are they called guinea pigs?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/guinea-pigSupports: Scientific name, domesticated South American rodent, family Caviidae, basic characteristics and diet.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/guinea-pigSupports: Physical description, diet, domestication history, introduction to Europe, and common uses as pet and research animal.
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/Supports: Domestication around 5,000 B.C., likely ancestry, lifespan in human care.
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/guinea-pigSupports: Domestication date, likely ancestry, global distribution, and lifespan.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/guinea-pigs-and-caviesSupports: Native range in South America and family context for guinea pigs/cavies.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guinea%20pigSupports: Definition as a domesticated South American rodent and as a subject of research/testing.