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What is Subordera Suina?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Suines are members of the biological suborder Suina, which includes two living and four extinct families -- pigs (19 species), peccaries (4 species), raoellids (sister group to cetaceans, extinct), entelodonts (true omnivores with bony jaws, extinct), choeropotamids (an old Eocene family), and sanitherids (another old group). Suborder Suina is is one of three in order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. The other suborders are Tylopoda (hippos and camelids) and Ruminantia (deer, giraffes, cattle, goats, sheep, antelope, okapi, mouse deer, musk deer, and chevrotains). The closest living relatives of the even-toed ungulates are the cetaceans (dolphins, whales, and porpoises). These orders split from each other approximately 60 million years ago, in the early Paleogene. Suines are colloquially known as swine.

As the suborder that includes pigs, Suina is one of the most economically important mammalian suborders to humans, due to the membership of the Domestic Pig, also the most intelligent member of Suina. There are approximately 2 billion domestic pigs worldwide, greater than the number of cats and dogs combined. The Domestic Pig is actually a subspecies of the Wild Boar, from which it was domesticated in 5,000 - 7,000 years ago. The natural range of the Wild Boar covers most of the mid and low latitudes of Eurasia and northern Africa. Unlike the pink coloration of the Domestic Pig, boars are brown and may display stripes.

Pigs are members of the suborder Suina.
Pigs are members of the suborder Suina.

Members of suborder Suina are considered among the most archaic and primitive of even-toed ungulates. They may be the oldest suborder of even-toed ungulates. This is indicated by anatomical features, such as the absence of maxillary teeth, making chewing impossible. Instead, suines gulp down their food in big chunks. They are known for being truly omnivorous, like rodents, and will happily consume garbage or food scraps, which has given them a reputation for gluttony and filthiness. Despite their negative qualities, it should be noted that pigs are among the most intelligent animals kept by humans in factory farms. In recent years, propositions to improve the living conditions of pigs have appeared on ballots worldwide.

The least familiar member of Suina is the peccary, a small swine that lives in southwestern North America and throughout Central and South America. Peccaries are distinct from pigs in that they originated in South America when it was an island continent, rather than Afro-Eurasia. Peccaries and pigs can be told apart by their short and straight (rather than curved) tusks. Unlike pigs, peccaries are never known to have been domesticated, though they are hunted for meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals are included in the suborder Suina?

The suborder Suina encompasses pig-like animals, including domestic pigs, wild boars, warthogs, and the babirusa. These species are known for their stout bodies, short legs, and omnivorous diets. They are distributed across various continents, with domestic pigs being widespread due to human agricultural practices.

What are the distinctive characteristics of Suina species?

Suina species are characterized by their even-toed ungulate nature, having two or four functional toes on each foot. They possess a simple stomach, unlike ruminants, and have a unique dental formula adapted for their omnivorous diet. Their snouts are typically elongated, with a cartilaginous disc at the tip, aiding in their foraging behavior.

How do members of the suborder Suina differ from other ungulates?

Members of the suborder Suina differ from other ungulates primarily in their digestive system. Unlike ruminants, Suina have a non-ruminating stomach, which means they do not chew cud. Additionally, their teeth and jaw structure are adapted for a more varied diet, and they have a more prominent snout for rooting in the ground.

What is the conservation status of Suina species?

The conservation status of Suina species varies. While domestic pigs are abundant due to breeding for agriculture, some wild species face threats. For instance, the babirusa is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these at-risk species.

What role do Suina species play in their ecosystems?

Suina species play crucial roles in their ecosystems as both prey and as ecosystem engineers. Their foraging behavior can significantly alter vegetation and soil composition, which can influence the habitats of other species. Additionally, they serve as a food source for predators and are integral to the food web in their respective environments.

How have Suina species adapted to different environments?

Suina species have shown remarkable adaptability to various environments. For example, wild boars are highly adaptable and can live in diverse habitats, from woodlands to grasslands. They have developed behaviors and physical traits, such as thick fur for colder climates or wallowing in mud to cool off, that allow them to thrive in a range of conditions.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

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    • Pigs are members of the suborder Suina.
      By: Anatolii
      Pigs are members of the suborder Suina.