Lagomorphs

order Lagomorpha

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Lagomorphs include rabbits, hares, and pikas. They are different from rodents because they have two pairs of upper front teeth – a smaller set sits right behind the larger, more noticeable ones. These plant-eating mammals have long ears, although the size varies a lot between different types. They also have strong back legs, which help them move quickly or dig burrows. Their eyes are set on the sides of their heads, giving them almost all-around vision to watch out for predators. Lagomorphs live on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, where they have been introduced by humans. They can be found in many different places, from cold arctic tundra to grasslands, woodlands, and mountains. They have a special way of eating called caecotrophy, where they eat certain droppings to get the most nutrients from plants. Most lagomorphs are most active at dawn and dusk.