What is the scientific name of a rabbit? The scientific name for a rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus, and the biological name for a domestic rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus.
Zoology and animal classification places the rabbit scientific name on a priority list. Many people search for the scientific name of a rabbit so they may learn something about its taxonomy and biological classification. This article gives full details of the scientific name for rabbits, classification, and some other related facts.
What is the scientific name of a rabbit?
The scientific name of the rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus. This name exists to formally classify and distinguish rabbits from other small mammals. The scientific name of the rabbit follows the binomial nomenclature developed by Carl Linnaeus.
Why Is the Rabbit’s Scientific Name Important?
The zoological name of the rabbit aids worldwide identification.
- It prevents confusion between species.
- Scientific research and studies apply it.
- A universal classification system is warranted.
Rabbit Taxonomy and Classification
The scientific name given to rabbits follows a defined system of classification. Below is the complete taxonomy:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Lagomorpha |
| Family | Leporidae |
| Genus | Oryctolagus |
| Species | Oryctolagus cuniculus |
Difference Between Rabbits and Hares
People often confuse rabbits with hares; although they belong to the same family, they are different species.
- Rabbits have shorter legs and very small ears.
- Hares, on the other hand, are larger and completely independent from birth.
- The scientific name for a rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus, while hares belong to the Lepus genus.
