| Domestic Guinea Pig |
| | Conservation status | | | | Scientific classification | | | | Binomial name | Cavia porcellus
(Erxleben, 1777) | | Synonyms | | Mus porcellus
Cavia cobaya
Cavia anolaimae
Cavia cutleri
Cavia leucopyga
Cavia longipilis Look up guinea pig in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
ImageMetadata File history File links Guinea_1. ...
The conservation status of a species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species remaining extant either in the present day or the near future. ...
Image File history File links Status_iucn2. ...
Least Concern (LC) is an IUCN category assigned to extant species or lower taxa which have been evaluated but do not qualify for any other category. ...
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List and Red Data List), created in 1963, is the worlds most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species and can be found here. ...
Scientific classification redirects here. ...
For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ...
Typical Classes See below Chordates (phylum Chordata) are a group of animals that includes the vertebrates, together with several closely related invertebrates. ...
Subclasses & Infraclasses Subclass †Allotheria* Subclass Prototheria Subclass Theria Infraclass †Trituberculata Infraclass Metatheria Infraclass Eutheria For the folk-rock band see The Mammals. ...
Suborders Sciuromorpha Castorimorpha Myomorpha Anomaluromorpha Hystricomorpha Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously-growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. ...
Families Ctenodactylidae †Tammquammyidae †Diatomyidae †Yuomyidae †Chapattimyidae †Tsaganomyidae Laonastidae †Baluchimyinae Hystricidae †Myophiomyidae †Diamantomyidae †Phiomyidae †Kenyamyidae Petromuridae Thryonomyidae Bathyergidae †Bathyergoididae Erethizontidae Dasyproctidae Agoutidae †Eocardiidae Dinomyidae Caviidae Hydrochaeridae Octodontidae Ctenomyidae Echimyidae Myocastoridae Capromyidae †Heptaxodontidae Chinchillidae †Neoepiblemidae Abrocomidae Skull of a capybara showing the enlarged infraorbital canal present in most members of the Hystricomorpha. ...
Subfamilies Caviinae Dolichotinae The Cavy (family Caviidae) is divided in two subfamilies: Subfamily Caviinae: cavies and guinea pigs Genus Cavia, this genus is especially called cavy. ...
Genera †Neoprocavia †Allocavia †Palaeocavia †Neocavia †Dolicavia †Macrocavia †Caviops †Pascualia Galea Microcavia Cavia Kerodon Caviinae is a subfamily uniting all liing members of the family Caviidae with the exception of the maras. ...
Species Cavia aperea Cavia tschudii Cavia guianae Cavia anolaimae Cavia nana Cavia porcellus Cavia fulgida Cavia magna Cavia intermedia Cavia is a genus in the Caviinae subfamily that contains the rodents commonly known as guinea pigs. ...
Latin name redirects here. ...
In scientific nomenclature, synonyms are different scientific names used for a single taxon. ...
Binomial name J. A. Allen, 1916 Cavia anolaimae is a guinea pig species from South America. ...
| The Guinea pig (also commonly called the cavy after its scientific name) is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, these animals are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea. They are native to the Andes, and while no longer extant in the wild, they are closely related to several species that are commonly found in the grassy plains and plateaus of the region. The guinea pig plays an important role in the folk culture of many indigenous South American groups, especially as a food source, but also in folk medicine and in community religious ceremonies.[1] Since the 1960s, efforts have been made to increase consumption of the animal outside South America.[2] Suborders Sciuromorpha Castorimorpha Myomorpha Anomaluromorpha Hystricomorpha Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously-growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. ...
Subfamilies Caviinae Dolichotinae The Cavy (family Caviidae) is divided in two subfamilies: Subfamily Caviinae: cavies and guinea pigs Genus Cavia, this genus is especially called cavy. ...
Species Cavia aperea Cavia tschudii Cavia guianae Cavia anolaimae Cavia nana Cavia porcellus Cavia fulgida Cavia magna Cavia intermedia Cavia is a genus in the Caviinae subfamily that contains the rodents commonly known as guinea pigs. ...
For other uses, see Pig (disambiguation). ...
This article is about the mountain system in South America. ...
In biology, extant taxon is commonly used in discussions of living and fossil species. ...
Folk culture refers to the localized lifestyle of a subsistence or otherwise inward looking culture. ...
For other uses, see Native Americans (disambiguation). ...
South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...
A traditional healer in Côte dIvoire Folk medicine refers collectively to procedures traditionally used for treatment of illness and injury, aid to childbirth, and maintenance of wellness. ...
In Western societies, the guinea pig has enjoyed widespread popularity as a household pet since its introduction by European traders in the 16th century. Their docile nature, their responsiveness to handling and feeding, and the relative ease of caring for them, continue to make the guinea pig a popular pet. Organizations devoted to competitive breeding of guinea pigs have been formed worldwide, and many specialized breeds of guinea pig, with varying coat colors and compositions, are cultivated by breeders. This article is about animals kept for companionship. ...
(15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ...
Animal fancy is a hobby that includes pet and exotic pet ownership, showing and other competitions, breeding and judging. ...
A long-haired lilac, orange and white Satin Peruvian Guinea pig Domesticated guinea pigs come in many breeds which have been developed since their arrival in Europe and North America. ...
Guinea pig is also used as a metaphor in English for a subject of experimentation; this usage became common in the first half of the 20th century. Biological experimentation on guinea pigs has been carried out since the 17th century; the animals were frequently used as a model organism in the 19th and 20th centuries, but have since been largely replaced by other rodents such as mice and rats. They are still used in research, primarily as models for human medical conditions such as juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy, and pregnancy complications. This article is about metaphor in literature and rhetoric. ...
A model organism is a species that is extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena, with the expectation that discoveries made in the organism model will provide insight into the workings of other organisms. ...
Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 The House Mouse (Mus musculus) is one of the most numerous species of the genus Mus commonly termed a mouse. ...
Binomial name (Berkenhout, 1769) Brown Rat range The brown rat, common rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat or wharf rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the best-known and common rats, and also one of the largest. ...
This article is about the disease that features high blood sugar. ...
Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or Tuberculosis) is a common and deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ...
Scurvy (N.Lat. ...
Pre-eclampsia (previously called toxemia) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. ...
[edit] History
 Moche Guinea Pig ca. 200 A.D. Larco Museum Collection, Lima, Peru The common guinea pig was first domesticated as early as 5000 BC for food by tribes in the Andean region of South America (present-day Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia).[3] Statues dating from ca. 500 BC to 500 AD that depict guinea pigs have been unearthed in archaeological digs in Peru and Ecuador.[4] The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped animals and often depicted the guinea pig in their art.[5] From ca. 1200 AD to the Spanish conquest in 1532, selective breeding resulted in many varieties of domestic guinea pigs, which form the basis for some of the modern domestic breeds.[6] They continue to be a food source in the region; most households in the Andean highlands raise the animal, which subsists off the family's vegetable scraps.[7] Folklore traditions involving guinea pigs are numerous; they are exchanged as gifts, used in customary social and religious ceremonies, and frequently referenced in spoken metaphors.[8] They also play a role in traditional healing rituals by folk doctors, or curanderos, who use the animals to diagnose diseases such as jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis and typhus.[9] They are rubbed against the bodies of the sick, and are seen as a supernatural medium.[10] Black guinea pigs are considered especially useful for diagnoses.[11] The animal also may be cut open and its entrails examined to determine whether the cure was effective.[12] These methods are widely accepted in many parts of the Andes, where Western medicine is either unavailable or distrusted.[13] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...
Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...
The Larco Museum (Spanish: ) is located in the Pueblo Libre District in Lima, Peru. ...
Dogs and sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated. ...
This article is about the mountain system in South America. ...
South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...
Look up Circa on Wiktionary, the free dictionary The Latin word circa, literally meaning about, is often used to describe various dates (often birth and death dates) that are uncertain. ...
For referencing in Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Citing sources. ...
The Moche civilization (alternately, the Mochica culture, Early Chimu, Pre-Chimu, Proto-Chimu, etc. ...
The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire was a process through which a group of Spaniards led by Francisco Pizarro succeeded in toppling the Inca Empire in the early 16th-century. ...
A long-haired lilac, orange and white Satin Peruvian Guinea pig Domesticated guinea pigs come in many breeds which have been developed since their arrival in Europe and North America. ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
This article is about metaphor in literature and rhetoric. ...
A curandero (or curandera for a female) is a traditional folk healer or shaman prevalent in Latin America, and especially in Mexico and in Chicano communities in the southwestern United States. ...
In general, diagnosis (plural diagnoses) has two distinct dictionary definitions. ...
Look up jaundice in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Rheumatism or Rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the heart, bones, joints, kidney, skin and lung. ...
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. ...
For the unrelated disease caused by Salmonella typhi, see Typhoid fever. ...
For other uses, see Supernatural (disambiguation). ...
See drugs, medication, and pharmacology for substances that are used to treat patients. ...
Spanish, Dutch and English traders brought guinea pigs to Europe, where they quickly became popular as exotic pets among the upper classes and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I.[14] The earliest known written account of the guinea pig dates from 1547, in a description of the animal from Santo Domingo; because cavies are not native to Hispaniola, the animal must have been introduced there by Spanish travelers.[15] The guinea pig was first described in the West in 1554 by the Swiss naturalist Konrad Gesner.[16] Its binomial scientific name was first used by Erxleben in 1777; it is an amalgam of Pallas's generic designation (1766) and Linnaeus's specific conferral (1758).[15] For a comprehensive list of the territories that formed the British Empire, see Evolution of the British Empire. ...
For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ...
Capuchin monkeys are among the primates kept as exotic pets An exotic pet is a rare or unusual creature kept as a pet, or a creature kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet. ...
Elizabeth I redirects here. ...
For other uses, see Santo Domingo (disambiguation). ...
Early map of Hispaniola Hispaniola (from Spanish, La Española) is the second-largest and most populous island of the Antilles, lying between the islands of Cuba to the west, and Puerto Rico to the east. ...
Conrad von Gesner (Konrad von Gesner, Conrad Gessner, Conradus Gesnerus) (26 March 1516-13 December 1565) was a Swiss naturalist. ...
Latin name redirects here. ...
Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Georg-August-University Goettingen from 1771-1775, first and oldest academic Veterinary School in Germany Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben (June 22, 1744 - August 19, 1777) was a German naturalist. ...
Peter Simon Pallas (September 22, 1741 - September 8, 1811) was a German-born Russian zoologist. ...
In biological nomenclature, a generic name or the name of a genus (sometimes genus name) is the name of a genus. ...
A painting of Carolus Linnaeus Carl Linnaeus, also known after his ennoblement as Carl von Linné, and who wrote under the Latinized name Carolus Linnaeus (May 23, 1707 – January 10, 1778), was a Swedish scientist who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of taxonomy. ...
In zoological nomenclature, a specific name is the second part (second name) in the name of a species (a binomen). ...
The scientific name of the common species is Cavia porcellus, with porcellus being Latin for "little pig". Cavia is New Latin; it is derived from cabiai, the animal's name in the language of the Galibi tribes once native to French Guiana.[17] Cabiai may be an adaptation of the Portuguese çavia (now savia), which is itself derived from the Tupi word saujá, meaning rat.[18] Guinea pigs are called quwi or jaca in Quechua and cuy or cuyo (pl. cuyes, cuyos) in the Spanish of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.[19] Paradoxically, breeders tend to use the more formal "cavy" to describe the animal, while in scientific and laboratory contexts it is far more commonly referred to by the more colloquial "guinea pig".[20] Latin name redirects here. ...
For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ...
New Latin (or Neo-Latin) is a post-medieval version of Latin, now used primarily in International Scientific Vocabulary cladistics and systematics. ...
The Galibi were a Cariban-speaking people who lived in the Lesser Antilles and northern South America at the time of European settlement. ...
The Tupi languages are a language family of 70 languages which are spoken by Indian tribesmen in South America. ...
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Quechuan languages. ...
Animal fancy is a hobby that includes pet and exotic pet ownership, showing and other competitions, breeding and judging. ...
How the animals came to be thought of as "pigs" is not clear. They are built somewhat like pigs, with large heads relative to their bodies, stout necks, and rounded rumps with no tail of any consequence; some of the sounds they emit are very similar to those made by pigs, and they also spend a large amount of time eating.[21] They can survive for long periods in small quarters, like a 'pig pen', and were thus easily transported on ships to Europe.[22] For other uses, see Pig (disambiguation). ...
The animal's name carries porcine connotations in many European languages. The German word for them is Meerschweinchen, literally "little sea pigs". (The Polish świnka morska and Russian морская свинка mean exactly the same.) This derives from nautical history: sailing ships stopping to reprovision in the New World would pick up stores of guinea pigs, which provided an easily transportable source of fresh meat; Schweinswal (pig-whale) is German for porpoise, which was another food source for sailors. The French term is Cochon d'Inde (Indian pig); the Dutch used to call it guinees biggetje (Guinean piglet) or Spaanse rat (Spanish rat) in some dialects, and in Portuguese the guinea pig is sometimes referred to as porquinho da Índia (little Indian pig). This is not universal; for example, the common word in Spanish is conejillo de Indias (little rabbit of India / the Indies).[19] Species Sus barbatus Sus bucculentus Sus cebifrons Sus celebensis Sus domesticus Sus heureni Sus philippensis Sus salvanius Sus scrofa Sus timoriensis Sus verrucosus Pigs are ungulates native to Eurasia collectively grouped under the genus Sus within the Suidae family. ...
See also: Age of Sail and Afro-Asiatic age of discovery For the computer wargame, Age of Discovery, see Global Diplomacy. ...
Frontispiece of Peter Martyr dAnghieras De orbe novo (On the New World). Carte dAmérique, Guillaume Delisle, 1722. ...
Genera Neophocaena Phocoena - Harbor porpoise Phocoenoides - Dalls porpoise The porpoises are small cetaceans of the family Phocoenidae; they are related to whales and dolphins. ...
The origin of "guinea" in "guinea pig" is harder to explain. One theory is that the animals were brought to Europe by way of Guinea, leading people to think they had originated there.[20] "Guinea" was also frequently used in English to refer generally to any far-off, unknown country, and so the name may simply be a colorful reference to the animal's foreignness.[23] Another theory suggests the "guinea" in the name is a corruption of "Guiana", an area in South America, though the animals are not native to that region.[23][24] A common misconception is that they were so named because they were sold for the price of a guinea coin; this theory is untenable, because the guinea was first struck in England in 1663, and William Harvey used the term "Ginny-pig" as early as 1653.[25] Others believe "guinea" may be an alteration of the word coney (rabbit); guinea pigs were referred to as "pig coneys" in Edward Topsell's 1607 treatise on quadrupeds.[20] Guiana (also known as the Guiana highlands or the Guiana shield) forms a portion of the northern coast of South America. ...
South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...
The Guinea coin of 1663 was the first British machine-struck gold coin. ...
This article is about William Harvey, the English doctor. ...
An image of Papilio machaon, from Topsells History Edward Topsell (c. ...
The Zebra is an example of a quadruped. ...
[edit] Traits and environment
 Two parti-colored Abyssinian guinea pigs Guinea pigs are large for rodents, weighing between 700 and 1200g (1.5-2.5 pounds), and measuring between 20 and 25cm (8–10 inches) in length.[26] They typically live an average of four to five years, but may live as long as eight years.[27] According to the 2006 Guinness Book of Records the longest living guinea pig survived 14 years, 10.5 months.[28] Two abyssinian guinea pigs. ...
Two abyssinian guinea pigs. ...
Kg redirects here. ...
Look up pound in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
This article is about the unit of length. ...
An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ...
Suresh Joachim, minutes away from breaking the ironing world record at 55 hours and 5 minutes, at Shoppers World, Brampton. ...
In the 1990s, a minority scientific opinion emerged proposing that caviomorphs, such as guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus, are not rodents and should be reclassified as a separate order of mammals (similar to lagomorphs).[29][30] Subsequent research using wider sampling has restored consensus among mammalian biologists that the current classification of rodents as monophyletic is justified.[31][32] Suborders Sciuromorpha Castorimorpha Myomorpha Anomaluromorpha Hystricomorpha Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously-growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. ...
Species Erethizontidae Dasyproctidae Agoutidae †Eocardiidae Dinomyidae Caviidae Octodontidae Ctenomyidae Echimyidae Myocastoridae Capromyidae †Heptaxodontidae Chinchillidae †Neoepiblemidae Abrocomidae Caviomorpha is the name for the rodent infraorder or parvorder that unites all South American hystricognaths. ...
For other uses, see Chinchilla (disambiguation). ...
Binomial name (Molina, 1782) The Degu (Octodon degus) is a small caviomorph rodent that is native to Chile. ...
For the science of classifying living things, see alpha taxonomy. ...
In scientific classification used in biology, the order (Latin: ordo, plural ordines) is a rank between class and family (termed a taxon at that rank). ...
Families Leporidae Ochotonidae The Lagomorphs, order Lagomorpha, are an order of mammals of which there are two families, Leporidae (hares and rabbits), and Ochotonidae (pikas). ...
In phylogenetics, a group is monophyletic (Greek: of one race) if it consists of an inferred common ancestor and all its descendants. ...
[edit] Natural habitat Cavia porcellus is not found naturally in the wild; it is likely descendant from some closely related species of cavies, such as Cavia aperea, Cavia fulgida, and Cavia tschudii, which are still commonly found in various regions of South America.[15] Some species of cavy identified in the 20th century, such as Cavia anolaimae and Cavia guianae, may be domestic guinea pigs that have become feral by reintroduction into the wild.[6] Wild cavies are found on grassy plains and occupy an ecological niche similar to that of the cow. They are social, living in the wild in small groups which consist of several females (sows), a male (boar), and the young (which in a break with the preceding porcine nomenclature are called pups). They move together in groups (herds) eating grass or other vegetation, and do not store food.[33] While they do not burrow or build nests, they frequently seek shelter in the burrows of other animals, as well as in crevices and tunnels formed by vegetation.[33] They are crepuscular, tending to be most active during dawn and dusk, when it is harder for predators to spot them.[34] Species Cavia aperea Cavia tschudii Cavia guianae Cavia anolaimae Cavia nana Cavia porcellus Cavia fulgida Cavia magna Cavia intermedia Cavia is a genus in the Caviinae subfamily that contains the rodents commonly known as guinea pigs. ...
Binomial name Erxleben, 1777 The Brazilian Guinea Pig, Cavia aperea, is a guinea pig species from South America. ...
Binomial name Wagler, 1831 The Shiny Guinea Pig, Cavia fulgida, is a guinea pig species from South America. ...
Binomial name Cavia tschudii Fitzinger, 1867[1] The Montane Guinea Pig, Cavia tschudii, is a guinea pig species from South America. ...
Binomial name J. A. Allen, 1916 Cavia anolaimae is a guinea pig species from South America. ...
Binomial name Thomas, 1901 Cavia guianae is a guinea pig species from South America. ...
A feral horse (an American mustang) in Wyoming A feral animal or plant is one that has escaped from domestication and returned, partly or wholly, to its wild state. ...
Two lichens on a rock, in two different ecological niches In ecology, a niche; (pronounced nich, neesh or nish)[1] is a term describing the relational position of a species or population in its ecosystem[1]. The ecological niche; describes how an organism or population responds to the distribution of...
For general information about the genus, including other species of cattle, see Bos. ...
For other uses, see Pig (disambiguation). ...
Categories: Animal stubs | Animal behaviour | Social psychology ...
A burrow is a hole or tunnel dug into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion. ...
Vegetation is a general term for the plant life of a region; it refers to the ground cover provided by plants, and is, by far, the most abundant biotic element of the biosphere. ...
Adult Firefly or Lightning Bug – a Crepuscular Beetle Photuris lucicrescens Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active during the twilight. ...
[edit] Domestic habitat Domesticated guinea pigs thrive in groups of two or more; groups of sows, or groups of one or more sows and a neutered boar are common combinations. Guinea pigs learn to recognize and bond with other individual guinea pigs, and testing of boars shows that their neuroendocrine stress response is significantly lowered in the presence of a bonded female when compared to the presence of unfamiliar females.[35] Groups of boars may also get along, provided that their cage has enough space, they are introduced at an early age, and no females are present.[36] Domestic guinea pigs have developed a different biological rhythm from their wild counterparts, and have longer periods of activity followed by short periods of sleep in between.[34] Activity is scattered randomly over the 24 hours of the day; aside from avoidance of intense light, no regular circadian patterns are apparent.[34] redirect Template:Db-reason synaptophysin ...
A circadian rhythm is a roughly-24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria. ...
 This cat has accepted this pair of guinea pigs. The success of this type of interspecies interaction varies according to the individual animals involved Domestic guinea pigs generally live in cages, although some owners of large numbers of guinea pigs will dedicate entire rooms to their pets. Cages with solid or wire mesh floors are used, although wire mesh floors can cause injury and may be associated with an infection commonly known as bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis).[37] "Cubes and Coroplast" (or C&C) style cages are now a common choice.[38] Cages are often lined with wood shavings or a similar material. Bedding made from red cedar and pine, both softwoods, was commonly used in past decades, but these materials are now believed to contain harmful phenols (aromatic hydrocarbons) and oils.[39] Safer beddings include those made from hardwoods (such as aspen); paper products and corn cob materials are other alternatives.[39] Guinea pigs tend to be messy within their cages; they often jump into their food bowls or kick bedding and feces into them, and their urine crystallizes on cage surfaces and can be difficult to remove.[40] After its cage has been cleaned, a guinea pig will typically urinate and drag the lower body across the floor of the cage to mark its territory.[41] Male guinea pigs may also mark their territory in this way when they are taken out of their cages. For other uses, see Mesh (disambiguation). ...
Bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) is a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction on the foot of birds of prey and rodents. ...
Coroplast is a brand name of corrugated plastic and a registered trademark of Coroplast, Inc. ...
Red Cedar may refer to: Australian Red Cedar, Toona australis Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Western Red Cedar, Thuja plicata Michigan)]] Red Cedar River (Wisconsin) Cedar (disambiguation) Category: ...
Subgenera Subgenus Strobus Subgenus Ducampopinus Subgenus Pinus See Pinus classification for complete taxonomy to species level. ...
Despite being fairly hard, cedar is a softwood Softwood is a generic term used in woodworking and the lumber industries for wood from conifers (needle-bearing trees from the order Pinales). ...
Phenol, also known under an older name of carbolic acid, is a colourless crystalline solid with a typical sweet tarry odor. ...
Beech is a typical temperate zone hardwood The term hardwood designates wood from angiosperm trees. ...
For other uses, see Aspen (disambiguation). ...
This article is about the urine of animals generally. ...
Guinea pigs do not generally thrive when housed with other species. Cohousing of guinea pigs with other rodents such as gerbils and hamsters may increase instances of respiratory and other infections,[42] and such rodents may act aggressively toward the guinea pig.[43] Larger animals may regard guinea pigs as prey, though some (such as dogs) can be trained to accept them.[44] Guinea pigs can be safely housed with degu as they share the same dietary needs and have similar behavioural traits. Opinion is divided over the cohousing of guinea pigs and domestic rabbits. Some published sources say that guinea pigs and rabbits complement each other well when sharing a cage.[44][45] However, as lagomorphs, rabbits have different nutritional requirements, and so the two species cannot be fed the same food.[46] Rabbits may also harbor diseases (such as the respiratory infections Bordetella and Pasteurella), to which guinea pigs are susceptible.[47] Even the dwarf rabbit is much stronger than the guinea pig and may cause intentional or inadvertent injury.[48] For other uses, see Gerbil (disambiguation). ...
Genera Mesocricetus Phodopus Cricetus Cricetulus Allocricetulus Cansumys Tscherskia Hamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. ...
Prey can refer to: Look up Prey in Wiktionary, the free dictionary A prey animal eaten by a predator in an act called predation. ...
Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ...
Binomial name (Molina, 1782) The Degu (Octodon degus) is a small caviomorph rodent that is native to Chile. ...
This article is about domesticated European rabbits. ...
Families Leporidae Ochotonidae Prolagidae (extinct) The Lagomorphs, order Lagomorpha, are an order of mammals of which there are two families, Leporidae (hares and rabbits), and Ochotonidae (pikas). ...
Species B. bronchiseptica etc. ...
Species Pasteurella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria. ...
Dwarf rabbits are a variety of domestic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ...
[edit] Behavior Guinea pigs can learn complex paths to food, and can accurately remember a learned path for months. Their strongest and overwhelming problem solving strategy is 'activity'[49] While guinea pigs can jump small obstacles, they cannot climb, and are not particularly agile. They startle extremely easily, and will either freeze in place for long periods or run for cover with rapid, darting motions when they sense danger.[34] Larger groups of startled guinea pigs will "stampede", running in haphazard directions as a means of confusing predators.[50] When excited, guinea pigs may repeatedly perform little hops in the air (known as "popcorning"), a movement analogous to the ferret's war dance.[51] They are also exceedingly good swimmers.[52] The weasel war dance is a colloquial term for a behavior of excited ferrets. ...
Like many rodents, guinea pigs sometimes participate in social grooming, and they regularly self-groom.[53] A milky-white substance is secreted from their eyes and rubbed into the hair during the grooming process.[54] Groups of boars will often chew each other's hair, but this is a method of establishing hierarchy within a group, rather than a social gesture.[52] Dominance is also established through biting (especially of the ears), piloerection, aggressive noises, head thrusts, and leaping attacks.[55] Non-sexual simulated mounting for dominance is also common among same-sex groups. In social animals and humans social grooming is a major social activity, and a means by which animals who live in proximity can bond and reinforce social structures, family links, and build relationships. ...
Goose bumps on a human Goose bumps, also called goose pimples, goose flesh, chill bumps, chicken skin, or the medical term cutis anserina, are the bumps on a persons skin at the base of body hairs which involuntarily develop when a person is cold or experiences strong emotions such...
Look up Mount in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Guinea pigs have poor sight, but well-developed senses of hearing, smell, and touch.[56] Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species.[57] Some sounds are:[58][59] Olfaction (also known as olfactics) refers to the sense of smell. ...
- Wheek - A loud noise, the name of which is onomatopoeic, also known as a Whistle. An expression of general excitement, it may occur in response to the presence of its owner or to feeding. It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are running. If a guinea pig is lost, it may wheek for assistance. listen (help·
info)
- Bubbling or Purring - This sound is made when the guinea pig is enjoying itself, such as when being petted or held. They may also make this sound when grooming, crawling around to investigate a new place, or when given food. listen (help·
info)
- Rumbling - This sound is normally related to dominance within a group, though it can also come as a response to comfort or contentment. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, swaying and circling the female[60] in a behavior called "rumblestrutting". listen (help·
info)
- Chutting and Whining - These are sounds made in pursuit situations, by the pursuer and pursuee, respectively. listen (help·
info)
- Chattering - This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth, and is generally a sign of warning. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound.
- Squealing or Shrieking - A high-pitched sound of discontent, in response to pain or danger. listen (help·
info)
- Chirping - This less-common sound, likened to bird song, seems to be related to stress. Very rarely, the chirping will last for several minutes. listen (help·
info)
For the supervillain, see Onomatopoeia (comics). ...
Image File history File links Guinea_Pig_Feeding_Wheek. ...
Image File history File links Guinea_Pig_Happy. ...
Image File history File links Guinea_Pig_Keep_Away. ...
Image File history File links Guinea_Pig_Angry. ...
Image File history File links Guinea_Pig_In_Distress. ...
Blackbird (Turdus merula), singing male. ...
Image File history File links Guinea_Pig_Chirping. ...
[edit] Breeding
 Pregnant sow one week before delivering three pups The guinea pig is able to breed year-round, with birth peaks usually coming in the spring; as many as five litters can be produced per year.[6] The gestation period lasts from 59–72 days, with an average of 63–68 days.[41] Because of the long gestation period and the large size of the pups, pregnant females may become large and eggplant-shaped, although the change in size and shape varies. Newborn pups are well-developed with hair, teeth, claws and partial eyesight;[52] they are immediately mobile, and begin eating solid food immediately, though they continue to suckle. Litters yield 1–6 pups, with an average of three;[27] the largest recorded litter size is 17.[61] In smaller litters, difficulties may occur during labour due to over-sized pups. Large litters result in higher incidences of stillbirth, but because the pups are delivered at an advanced stage of development, lack of access to the mother's milk has little effect on the mortality rate of newborns.[62] Cohabitating females assist in mothering duties if lactating.[63] Picture of a pregnant guinea pig 1 week before delivering 3 pups. ...
Picture of a pregnant guinea pig 1 week before delivering 3 pups. ...
Gestation is the carrying of an embryo or fetus inside a female viviparous animal. ...
Binomial name L. The aubergine, eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena) is a solanaceous plant bearing a fruit of the same name, commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. ...
Breastfeeding an infant Breastfeeding is the process of a woman feeding an infant or young child with milk from her breasts, usually directly from the nipples. ...
A litter of pigs A litter is a group of newly born, young animals from the same mother and usually from one set of parents. ...
This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...
 Guinea pig pup at eight hours old Male and female guinea pigs do not differ in external appearance apart from general size. The position of the anus is very close to the genitals in both sexes. Female genitals are distinguished by a Y-shaped configuration formed from a vulvar flap; while the male genitals may look similar with the penis and anus forming a like shape, the penis will protrude if pressure is applied to the surrounding hair.[64] The male's testes may also be visible externally from scrotal swelling. Guinea Pig baby. ...
Guinea Pig baby. ...
Female (left) and male Common Pheasant, illustrating the dramatic difference in both color and size, between the sexes Sexual dimorphism is the systematic difference in form between individuals of different sex in the same species. ...
Males reach sexual maturity at 3–5 weeks; females can be fertile as early as four weeks and can carry litters before they are adults.[65] Females that have never given birth commonly develop irreversible fusing of the pubic symphysis, a joint in the pelvis, after six months of age.[41] If they become pregnant after this has happened, the birth canal will not widen sufficiently; this may lead to dystocia and death as they attempt to give birth.[66] Females can become pregnant 6–48 hours after giving birth, but it is not healthy for a female to be thus constantly pregnant.[67] The pubic symphysis is the midline cartilaginous joint uniting the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones (pubis). ...
The pelvis (pl. ...
Dystocia (antonym eutocia) is an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour. ...
Toxemia of pregnancy is common and kills many pregnant females. Signs of toxemia include anorexia, lack of energy, excessive salivation, a sweet or fruity breath odor due to ketones, and seizures in advanced cases.[68] Pregnancy toxemia appears to be most common in hot climates.[69] Other serious complications of pregnancy can include a prolapsed uterus, hypocalcemia, and mastitis.[70] Pre-eclampsia (previously called toxemia) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. ...
Ketone group A ketone (pronounced as key tone) is either the functional group characterized by a carbonyl group (O=C) linked to two other carbon atoms or a chemical compound that contains this functional group. ...
This article is about epileptic seizures. ...
Prolapse literally means To fall out of place. ...
In medicine, hypocalcaemia is the presence of less than a total calcium of 2. ...
Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammalian breast caused by the blocking of the milk ducts while the mother is lactating (see breastfeeding). ...
 A silver agouti guinea pig eating grass Grass is the guinea pig's natural diet. Their molars are particularly suited for grinding plant matter, and grow continuously throughout the animal's life.[71] Most grass-eating mammals are quite large and have a long digestive tract; while guinea pigs have much longer colons than most rodents, they must also supplement their diet by coprophagy, the eating of their own feces.[72] However, they do not consume all their feces indiscriminately, but produce special soft pellets, called cecotropes, which recycle B vitamins, fiber, and bacteria required for proper digestion.[73] The cecotropes (or caecal pellets) are eaten directly from the anus, unless the guinea pig is pregnant or obese.[46] They share this behaviour with rabbits. In older boars (the condition is rarer in young ones), the muscles which allow the softer pellets to be expelled from the anus for consumption can become weak. This creates a condition known as anal impaction, which prevents the boar from redigesting cecotropes, though harder pellets may pass through the impacted mass.[74] The condition may be temporarily alleviated by carefully expelling the impacted feces. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...
Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...
For other uses, see Grass (disambiguation). ...
Molars are the rearmost and most complicated kind of tooth in most mammals. ...
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Large intestine. ...
Coprophagia is the consumption of feces. ...
Cecotropes (originally spelled caecotrophes) also known as night faeces, are the product of the cecum, a part of the digestive system in mammals of the order lagomorpha, which includes two families: Leporidae (hares and rabbits), and Ochotonidae (pikas). ...
The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. ...
For other uses, see Rabbit (disambiguation). ...
Guinea pigs benefit from feeding on fresh grass hay, such as timothy hay, in addition to food pellets which are often based from timothy. Alfalfa is also a popular food choice; most guinea pigs will eat large amounts of alfalfa when offered it,[75] though there exists some controversy over the feeding of alfalfa to adult guinea pigs. Some pet owners and veterinary organizations have advised that, as a legume rather than a grass hay, alfalfa consumed in large amounts may lead to obesity, as well as bladder stones due to excess calcium, in any but pregnant and very young guinea pigs.[76][77] However, published scientific sources mention alfalfa as a source for replenishment of protein, amino acids and fiber.[78][79] Binomial name Phleum pratense L. Timothy-grass, a North American name for Phleum pratense, is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe except for the Mediterranean. ...
For the Our Gang (Little Rascals) character, see Carl Switzer. ...
This article is about the fruit of the plants also called legumes. For the plants themselves, see Fabaceae . ...
Bladder stones in animals are a common occurrence, especially in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. ...
For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ...
This article is about the class of chemicals. ...
Like humans, but unlike most other mammals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and must obtain this vital nutrient from food. If guinea pigs do not ingest enough vitamin C, they can suffer from potentially fatal scurvy. Guinea pigs require about 10 mg of vitamin C daily (20 mg if pregnant), which can be obtained through fresh, raw fruits and vegetables (such as apple, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, celery, and spinach) or through dietary supplements.[80] Healthy diets for guinea pigs require a complex balance of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and hydrogen ions; adequate amounts of vitamins E, A, and D are also necessary.[81] Imbalanced diets have been associated with muscular dystrophy, metastatic calcification, difficulties with pregnancy, vitamin deficiencies, and teeth problems.[82] Some sources also suggest[weasel words] that guinea pigs are especially susceptible to gall and kidney stones, making it important to limit calcium intake in their diet. This may involve limiting or eliminating multi-vitamin supplements and calcium-rich foods (like commercially-produced yogurt drops, spinach or very high proportions of alfalfa).[citation needed] Guinea pigs tend to be fickle eaters when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, having learned early in life what is and is not appropriate to consume, and their habits are difficult to change after maturity.[83] They do not respond well to sudden changes in diet; they may stop eating and starve rather than accepting new food types.[52] A constant supply of hay or other food is generally recommended, as guinea pigs feed continuously and may develop habits such as chewing on their own hair if food is not present.[84] Because guinea pigs' teeth grow constantly, they routinely gnaw, lest their teeth become too large for their mouth, a common problem in rodents.[38] Guinea pigs will also chew on cloth, paper, plastic, and rubber. Homo sapiens (Latin: wise man) is the scientific name for the human species. ...
Subclasses & Infraclasses Subclass †Allotheria* Subclass Prototheria Subclass Theria Infraclass †Trituberculata Infraclass Metatheria Infraclass Eutheria For the folk-rock band see The Mammals. ...
This article is about the nutrient. ...
Scurvy (N.Lat. ...
General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ...
General Name, symbol, number phosphorus, P, 15 Chemical series nonmetals Group, period, block 15, 3, p Appearance waxy white/ red/ black/ colorless Standard atomic weight 30. ...
General Name, symbol, number potassium, K, 19 Chemical series alkali metals Group, period, block 1, 4, s Appearance silvery white Standard atomic weight 39. ...
Hydronium is the common name for the cation H3O+. Nomenclature According to IUPAC ion nomenclature, it should be referred to as oxonium. ...
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin in eight forms that is an important antioxidant. ...
The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. ...
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. ...
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic, hereditary muscle diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. ...
Metastatic calcification is deposition of calcium salts in otherwise normal tissue, because of elevated levels of calcium and other minerals in blood because of deranged metabolism, synthesis or disposal. ...
There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...
Families Many, see text The order Rodentia is the most numerous of all the branches on the mammal family tree. ...
A number of plants are poisonous to guinea pigs, including bracken, bryony, buttercup, charlock, deadly nightshade, foxglove, hellebore, hemlock, lily of the valley, mayweed, monkshood, potato, privet, ragwort, rhubarb, speedwell, toadflax and wild celery.[85] Additionally, any plant which grows from a bulb (e.g., tulip and onion) is normally considered poisonous.[85] Species Pteridium aquilinum Pteridium caudatum Pteridium esculentum Pteridium latiusculum and about 6-7 other species For the Irish television soap opera, see Bracken (TV). ...
Species (White Bryony) (Cretan Bryony), Bryony or briony is the common name for species in the genus Bryonia of perennial, tendril-climbing, dioecious herbs with palmately lobed leaves and flowers in axillary clusters. ...
This article is about the flower. ...
Species See text Brassica is a plant genus, in the cabbage family (Cruciferae, also known, more fashionably, as the Brassicaceae). ...
Binomial name L. Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), also known as belladonna or dwale, is a well-known perennial herbaceous plant, with leaves and berries that are highly toxic and hallucinogenic. ...
Species Digitalis ferruginea Digitalis grandiflora Digitalis lanata Digitalis lutea Digitalis obscura Digitalis purpurea Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous biennials, perennials and shrubs in the foxglove family Scrophulariaceae. ...
Species See text(#Species) Hellebores (the Genus Helleborus in the Family Ranunculaceae) are perennial flowering plants that are often grown in gardens for decorative purposes, as well as for their purported medicinal abilities and uses in witchcraft. ...
Look up hemlock in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Binomial name Convallaria majalis Lily of the valley is a flowering plant of the Convallaria genus. ...
Species See text Matricaria is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). ...
Species See text Aconitum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. ...
For other uses, see Potato (disambiguation). ...
Species See text Privet was originally the name for the European semi-evergreen shrub Ligustrum vulgare, and later also for the more reliably evergreen Ligustrum ovalifolium (Japanese privet), used extensively for privacy hedging (hence privet, private). ...
Species See text The Genus Senecio of the daisy family (Family Asteraceae) includes ragworts and groundsels. ...
For other uses see Rhubarb (disambiguation) Species About 60, including: R. nobile R. palmatum Rhubarb is a perennial plant that grows from thick short rhizomes, comprising the genus Rheum. ...
Speedwell may refer to Speedwell Island Speedwell Cavern A ship named Speedwell any plant of the Veronica genus This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...
Toadflax is the English name of several related genera of plants in the family Scrophulariaceae: Anarrhinum Antirrhinum (also called Snapdragon) Chaenorhinum Cymbalaria Linaria Misopates This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...
Binomial name Vallisneria americana Michx. ...
Shallot bulbs A bulb is an underground vertical shoot that has modified leaves (or thickened leaf bases) that is used as food storage organs by a dormant plant. ...
[[Media:Example. ...
For other uses, see Onion (disambiguation). ...
[edit] Health
 A parti-colored guinea pig suffering from Torticollis, or wry neck Common ailments in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency, typically characterized by sluggishness), abscesses due to infection (often in the neck, due to hay embedded in the throat, or from external scratches), and infections by lice, mites or fungus.[86] Image File history File linksMetadata Mvc-872s. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Mvc-872s. ...
Torticollis, or wry neck, is a condition in which the head is tilted toward one side, and the chin is elevated and turned toward the opposite side. ...
Upper respiratory tract infection, also popularly known as either the acronym URTI or URI, is the disease characterised by an acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract: nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx. ...
In medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences), refers to frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. ...
Scurvy (N.Lat. ...
This article is about the nutrient. ...
For the death metal band, see Abscess (band). ...
Suborders Anoplura (sucking lice) Rhyncophthirina Ischnocera (avian lice) Amblycera (chewing lice) Lice (singular: louse) (order Phthiraptera) are an order of over 3000 species of wingless parasitic insects. ...
Mites, along with ticks, belong to the subclass Acarina (also known as Acari) and the class Arachnida. ...
For the fictional character, see Fungus the Bogeyman. ...
Mange mites (Trixacarus caviae) are a common cause of hair loss, and other symptoms may also include excessive scratching, unusually aggressive behavior when touched (due to pain), and, in some instances, seizures.[87] Guinea pigs may also suffer from "running lice" (Gliricola porcelli), a small white insect which can be seen moving through the hair; the eggs of these lice, which appear as black or white specks attached to the hair, are sometimes referred to as "static lice". Giving a bath with neem oil soap is a gentle and effective way of ridding the pig of lice. Other causes of hair loss can be due to hormonal upsets caused by underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts.[88] Benign ovarian cyst. ...
Foreign bodies, especially small pieces of hay or straw, can become lodged in the eyes of guinea pigs, resulting in excessive blinking, tearing, and in some cases an opaque film over the eye due to corneal ulcer.[89] Hay or straw dust will also cause sneezing. While it is normal for guinea pigs to sneeze periodically, frequent sneezing may be a symptom of <
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