We鈥檝e already seen that rabbits and hares have quite interesting physiology, but for certain species of the adaptations get even more extreme.
The smallest rabbit in existence is the , who weighs on average only 450 grams! They鈥檙e found in the western US and are one of the only rabbit species who dig their own burrows, as opposed to repurposing the found burrows of other animals.
Hares, on the other hand, don鈥檛 use burrows at all but make nests in grass and underbrush. Part of the reason for this is their impressive ability to run away from predators, as opposed to hiding from them in the first place. Some species of hares can ! This speed requires some serious shock absorption to keep their brains from being rattled, so they鈥檝e actually developed hinged skulls.
Rabbits are generally known for their massive ears, but they actually do a lot more than just hear predators and friends. Rabbits ears are crucial for ! Their large surface areas allow bunnies to release their heat and keep cool, that鈥檚 why bunnies that live in hot areas tend to have the .
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