Agoutis and Acouchis
| Agoutis and Acouchis | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Dasyproctidae | ||||||||||||
| Bonaparte , 1838 | ||||||||||||
| Genera | ||||||||||||
Agoutis and Acouchis (Dasyproctidae) are a family of mammals from the order of the rodents . The system is controversial, however, and the Pakas ( Cuniculus ) are often included in this group . However, genetic research has shown that they are not too closely related to these.
There are two types:
Pakas and agoutis are similar in body structure and in the structure of the teeth, the differences are in the spotted fur of the Pakas compared to the single-colored fur of the Agoutis, in the number of toes on the forefeet (agoutis have three functional toes, Pakas have four) and in the construction details of the skull.
All species of this family are restricted to Central and South America . They have stocky bodies with strong legs that end in hoof-like claws and are suitable for walking.
literature
- Malcolm C. McKenna, Susan K. Bell: Classification of Mammals. Revised Edition. Above the species level. Columbia University Press, New York NY 2000, ISBN 0-231-11013-8 .
- Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .
