Species Profile
Family : Caviidae
Scientific Name : Cavia Porcellus
Classification : Rodent
Diet : Herbivore
Weight : 1-3 lbs.
Lifespan : 1-4 yrs. (in the wild)
Scientific Name : Cavia Porcellus
Classification : Rodent
Diet : Herbivore
Weight : 1-3 lbs.
Lifespan : 1-4 yrs. (in the wild)
Before we get to the evolution of the guinea pig, we will give you some facts about the current guinea pig. Currently the wild guinea pigs live in the wild in the mountains and grasslands of Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. Guinea pigs follow a vegetarian diet. They enjoy eating on leaves, hay, grass, and even flowers. Clovers are a special treat to the guinea pigs diet. They burrow underground and run from their predators. They face a large variety of predators because they are such a small animal. Some of these predators are wild cats, owls, coyotes, wolves, and snakes. Guinea pigs are even prey to humans. This is why the guinea pig species must evolve.
We were thinking that they could evolve by growing small quills, so that predators cannot attack and eat them, and humans will not desire them as pets. We think this could happen by South America being split up way in the future, and some guinea pigs being on one side with porcupines, and other animals, and they would have to adapt to survive and reproduce in their environment. Another way they could evolve is they could grow longer legs so that they can outrun their predators. And one last way they could evolve is they could grow thicker and longer claws so they can make deeper burrows so that their predators cannot reach them.
Now we're just going to tell you a couple fun facts about the guinea pig!
Citations
Omelet.us students.ou.edu. "A guinea pigs life in the wild " By Pamela Miller animals.pawnation.com |