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Nov 29, 2017 · But have you wondered why guinea pigs as a species are called guinea pig? They’re also often called cavies. The reason behind one of these names is simple, but the other is more complicated and still being debated.
Ever wondered why the adorable, small creatures we love to keep as pets are called ‘Guinea Pigs’? Despite their name, these animals are not pigs, nor are they from Guinea. Let’s delve into the fascinating history behind their name.
The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also known as the cavy or domestic cavy (/ ˈ k eɪ v i / KAY-vee), is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia, family Caviidae. Breeders tend to use the name "cavy" for the animal, but "guinea pig" is more commonly used in scientific and laboratory contexts. [ 1 ]
People originally called them “Guinea Pigs” because sailors related their furry faces to piggies, and thought they came from the country called “Guinea.” However, Guinea was never home to these furry creatures; instead, they were widely established in South American countries like Ecuador and Peru.
Jul 29, 2019 · The name 'guinea pig' can be traced back to their original price in 16th-century England, where they could be bought for one guinea each. But why “pig”? Some people believe it’s because they resemble small pigs, and this seems to be borne out by the names guinea pigs are given in other languages.
1 day ago · guinea pig, (Cavia porcellus), a domesticated species of South American rodent belonging to the cavy family (Caviidae). It resembles other cavies in having a robust body with short limbs, large head and eyes , and short ears.
Guinea Pigs: The Origin Of The Term. It’s unclear why guinea pigs have been given such a name, but many people think that ‘pig’ is due to their shape and mannerisms. They are round and stout with blunt heads, and walk in a similar fashion to actual pigs.
