Sus scrofa domesticus is the scientific name for pig.
Pigs are beasts that have been around human civilization for thousands of years. Farmers breed pigs for pork as meat, with other agricultural purposes included in some cultures. But has it ever crossed your mind to ask, what is the scientific name of pig? This article will discuss the pig scientific name with its taxonomy, classification, and other essential details.
Table of Contents
What is the Scientific Name for Pig?
The scientific name of pigs is Sus scrofa domesticus. This name is used in the so-called biological classification to identify domesticated pigs. Meanwhile, for the wild, the scientific name of the pig is simply Sus scrofa, which means that the wild boars and domesticated pigs belong to the same species.
Scientific Classification of Pigs
Every living organism is classified scientifically based on a hierarchical system. The classification here is as follows: the scientific classification for pig.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Suidae |
| Genus | Sus |
| Species | Sus scrofa |
| Subspecies | Sus scrofa domesticus (Domesticated pig) |
Why is the Pig Scientific Name Important?
The pig’s scientific name allows scientists, researchers, and veterinarians to communicate about pigs accurately, thereby eliminating confusion about other animals. Being binomial, the scientific name for pigs never changes throughout the world, giving scientists and interlocutors uniformity in their studies and discussions.
Understanding the Pig Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Pigs are members of Kingdom Animalia, which hosts all multicellular eukaryotic organisms whose nutritional mode consists of heterotrophic.
Phylum: Chordata
Animals of Phylum Chordata are worth it because they have a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and post-analytics tail at some stage of their development.
Class: Mammalia
Since they are warm-blooded and have hair or fur, pigs fall under mammals. They produce milk for their offspring.
Order: Artiodactyla
Pigs belong to the order Artiodactyla which consists of even-toed ungulates, such as deer, cows, and camels.
Family: Suidae
Animals belonging to the Suidae family are characterized by sturdy bodies, short legs, and flexible snouts.
Genus: Sus
Pigs belong to the Genus Sus, which also includes wild boars.
Species: Sus scrofa
Wild boars and domestic pigs fall under the classification of Sus scrofa, with domesticated animals being classified as subspecies of Sus scrofa domesticus.
Common Names for Pigs
There’s also the whole scientific naming of pigs with its various degrees. There are domestic names depending on the age, gender, and use of a pig.
- Boar – Male pig
- Sow – Female pig
- Piglet – Baby pig
- Hog – Large, mature pig
- Swine – General term for pigs
Swine Evolution and History of Pigs
The domestic pigs came from wild boars; the tame swine appeared about 9000 years ago. Domestication began in parts of Asia and Europe, where early man kept pigs for food and trade.
Importance of Pigs in Agriculture
Pigs play an important role in agriculture due to their high reproduction rate and rapid growth. Farmers raise pigs for:
- Meat processing: Pork is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world.
- By-products: Pigs give leather, gelatin, and pharmaceuticals.
- Fertilization: Manure from pigs is used as organic fertilizer.
Behavior and Characteristics of Pigs
- Pigs are intelligent animals, often referred to as comparably intelligent to dogs.
- The keen sense of smell can assist in truffle hunting.
- Pigs are omnivores; they digest plant and animal-based foods.
Different Breeds of Pigs
There are different breeds of domesticated pigs, all selected for specific purposes. Some well-known breeds of pigs include:
- Yorkshire Pig: This is the most common breed commercially farmed for production.
- Duroc Pig: Known for its exceptional growth rate and high-quality meat.
- Berkshire: Known for its marbled meat with a delicious flavor.
- Hampshire Pig: Recognized by its black body with white stripes.
Pig Conservation and Wild Population
Wild boars, including pigs, live in the forests of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some consider them an invasive species that spreads rapidly and destroys ecosystems through their food. Conservation methods seek to maintain the sustainability of ecosystems through the stabilization of wild boars.
Fun Facts About Pigs
- Pigs don’t sweat, hence, they roll in mud as a way of cooling off.
- They communicate through over 20 different vocalizations.
- A pig’s sense of smell is much better than that of dogs.
Conclusion on the scientific name of the pig
The scientific name for pig is Sus scrofa domesticus, while wild pigs are classified as Sus scrofa. Pigs are important animals both in agriculture and history and feature in many scientific studies. Their taxonomy and classification make them fascinating animals. Their characteristics help in understanding the pig’s scientific name in research, farming, and conservation across the world.
By learning the scientific name of the pig and its classification, we get a much better understanding of these valuable animals and what roles they play in our lives.
