The Bunnies

Product Information

a b c d Foote, Robert H; Carney, Edward W (2000). "The rabbit as a model for reproductive and developmental toxicity studies". Reproductive Toxicology. 14 (6): 477–493. doi: 10.1016/s0890-6238(00)00101-5. ISSN 0890-6238. PMID 11099874. This is the taxonomy of rabbits, according to ADW, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Rabbits' lungs are divided into four lobes: the cranial, middle, caudal, and accessory lobes. The right lung is made up of all four lobes, while the left lung only has two: the cranial and caudal lobes. [34] To provide space for the heart, the left cranial lobe of the lungs is significantly smaller than that of the right. [31] The diaphragm is a muscular structure that lies caudal to the lungs and contracts to facilitate respiration. [31] [33] Rabbits have muscled hind legs that allow for maximum force, maneuverability, and acceleration that is divided into three main parts: foot, thigh, and leg. The hind limbs of a rabbit are an exaggerated feature. They are much longer than the forelimbs, providing more force. Rabbits run on their toes to gain the optimal stride during locomotion. The force put out by the hind limbs is contributed by both the structural anatomy of the fusion tibia and fibula, and muscular features. [16] Bone formation and removal, from a cellular standpoint, is directly correlated to hind limb muscles. Action pressure from muscles creates force that is then distributed through the skeletal structures. Rabbits that generate less force, putting less stress on bones are more prone to osteoporosis due to bone rarefaction. [17] In rabbits, the more fibers in a muscle, the more resistant to fatigue. For example, hares have a greater resistance to fatigue than cottontails. The muscles of rabbit's hind limbs can be classified into four main categories: hamstrings, quadriceps, dorsiflexors, or plantar flexors. The quadriceps muscles are in charge of force production when jumping. Complementing these muscles are the hamstrings, which aid in short bursts of action. These muscles play off of one another in the same way as the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors, contributing to the generation and actions associated with force. [18] Ears Anatomy of mammalian ear A Holland Lop resting with one ear up and one ear down. Some rabbits can adjust their ears to hear distant sounds. Their ears can grow to 4 inches (10 cm), according to PDSA. This stretched-out length allows them to better hear predators that may be approaching. It also allows them to stay cool in hot climates. Extra body heat is released through blood vessels in the ear, according to the Biomimicry Institute.

Pentalagus furnessi (Amami rabbit), which is found only on two Japanese islands, is endangered, according to the IUCN. Populations are declining because of invasive predators and habitat loss caused by forest clearing and resort construction. There are only about 5,000 individuals alive on Amami Island and 400 on Tokuno Island.Meyer, D. L. (1971). "Single Unit Responses of Rabbit Ear-Muscles to Postural and Accelerative Stimulation". Experimental Brain Research. 14 (2): 118–26. doi: 10.1007/BF00234795. PMID 5016586. S2CID 6466476.

Rabbits are hindgut digesters. This means that most of their digestion takes place in their large intestine and cecum. In rabbits, the cecum is about 10 times bigger than the stomach and it along with the large intestine makes up roughly 40% of the rabbit's digestive tract. [38] The unique musculature of the cecum allows the intestinal tract of the rabbit to separate fibrous material from more digestible material; the fibrous material is passed as feces, while the more nutritious material is encased in a mucous lining as a cecotrope. Cecotropes, sometimes called "night feces", are high in minerals, vitamins and proteins that are necessary to the rabbit's health. Rabbits eat these to meet their nutritional requirements; the mucous coating allows the nutrients to pass through the acidic stomach for digestion in the intestines. This process allows rabbits to extract the necessary nutrients from their food. [39] The pygmy rabbit is native to the United States and is the smallest species of rabbit. The pygmy rabbit is around 9.3 to 11.6 inches long and weighs less than a pound! The most distinguishing feature of this creature is its minuscule size. They also have short ears and tiny hind legs. These rabbits have short gray fur. Lear, Linda (2007). Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature. New York: St. Martins Griffin. ISBN 978-0-312-37796-0. Mini Rex rabbits are a small, compact breed, commonly known by the velvety texture of soft fur. Most are calm and good natured, although that is not always the case, so caution should be used when choosing one of this breed as a child’s pet, for if a child will be showing the bunny. They are relatively easy to house, as their weight is in the ballpark of 4.5 lbs. Discover our in-depth article about the Mini Rex breed!• Polish RabbitThe Angora rabbit is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbits. This adorable creature is bred for its coat, which is known as Angora wool. Their coat is highly sought after as it does not have allergy-causing qualities like other types of wool. There are 11 distinct breeds of Angora rabbit – and all are fluffy and cute! Information for Rabbit Owners— Oak Tree Veterinary Centre". Oaktreevet.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 June 2012 . Retrieved 30 August 2010.