1. Pikas Are Related to Rabbits
Often surprising people with its actual taxonomic classification, the little and fascinating pika is Given its strong resemblance to hamsters and other small rodents, one could first readily confuse this little species for a member of the order Rodentia. Certainly, the pika’s small size—usually between 7 and 8 inches in length—along with its short, rounded ears and thick, fluffy coat seem to contribute to this impression. On closer inspection, though, the pika belongs in quite another order: Lagomorpha. Among the most identifiable and cherished species in the world, including rabbits and hares, this sequence is home to
A remarkable illustration of evolutionary difference within a single order is the link between pikas and their more well-known cousins, rabbits and hares. Although they have a common parent, pikas have evolved to fit somewhat distinct environmental niches, which produces some quite remarkable physical variations. Unlike rabbits and hares, which are well-known for their big ears and strong hind legs suited for fast bursts of speed, pikas have evolved in a quite different direction. Their somewhat shorter and more rounder ears are an adaptation that helps them save heat in their usually frigid, high-altitude environment. Better fitted for scrambling over rocks than for the remarkable leaps connected with rabbits, their legs, front and hind, are rather small and strong.
The fur on pikas’ soles of feet is among their most fascinating adaptations. On slick rocks, this special characteristic offers great traction and extra insulation against the chilly surfaces they often cross. It amply illustrates their specialised way of life in high, rocky environment. Furthermore remarkable is the difference in scale between pikas and their lagomorph cousins. Whereas the American pika is a relative little at just 7 to 8 inches long, a brown hare can reach lengths of 20 to 30 inches. With pikas suited to survive in narrow cracks and among loose rock heaps, this size variation reflects the quite distinct ecological niches these animals occupy.
Though they seem different, pikas have some significant traits with rabbits and hares that definitely place them in the Lagomorpha order. Among these include their herbivorous diet, special digestive system that lets difficult plant material be effectively broken down, and some skeletal traits unlike those of rats. The fact that pikas belong in Lagomorpha instead of Rodentia reminds us of the complexity of evolutionary relationships and the occasionally unexpected linkages among apparently unrelated species. It emphasises the need of seeing the actual connections across many species in the animal kingdom rather than depending just on obvious parallels.