Sus (genus) |
Pigs, along with wild boars and hogs, belong to the family Suidae. Hence, members of this family are called suids. Pigs are even-toed ungulates. Hence they fall under the order Artiodactyla, which also includes other animals such as giraffes, American bison and even the killer whale. The domestic pig (Sus domesticus) is one of the well-known members of the family, Suidae, with over 677 million individuals (as of January 2020). The wild boar is the ancestor of the domestic pig, and it is native across Europe and Asia. Humans have also introduced pigs to other continents, such as North and South America as well as Australia.
Domestic pigs are omnivores – though they are mostly fed soybean and corn meal along with a mix of minerals and vitamins. Across most countries, pigs are majorly bred for their meat as well as leather. Moreover, their fur can be used to make brushes. Additionally, pigs have an excellent sense of smell, with some researchers claiming it’s close to 2000 times more sensitive than a human’s sense of smell. Hence, pigs are commonly used to find truffles, which are highly valued commodities in European countries.
Also Read:
- Scientific Names of the Most Common Animals and Plants
- Mammalia – Characteristics and Classification Of Mammals
- What Is Animal Husbandry? – It’s Types & Advantages
- Herbivorous & Carnivorous Animals – Characteristics & Examples
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Frequently Asked Questions on Scientific Name of Pig
What is the scientific name of a pig?
Pigs, along with wild boars and hogs, belong to the family Suidae. The scientific name of the domestic pig is Sus domesticus.
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