Scientific Name of Pig
Pigs are remarkable creatures that belong to the family Suidae, which also includes wild boars and hogs. They are widely recognised for their distinctive snout, which they use for rooting in the soil, and for being social and intelligent animals. The scientific name for pig (domestic pig) is Sus domesticus, and it falls under the order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). This order also includes animals such as giraffes, American bison, and whales.
In this article, we will explore how pigs are classified, discuss their essential characteristics, and learn interesting facts about their lifestyle. We will also touch upon pig lifespan, breeding, uses, and more.
Classification of Pigs
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Genus: Sus
Species: domesticus
The pig's scientific name, genus and species is Sus domesticus. This classification indicates that domestic pigs share ancestry with wild boars (also belonging to the genus Sus). The wild boar is widely believed to be the ancestor of the domestic pig, and it is native to many parts of Europe and Asia.
Male and Female Pig Names
You might come across the terms boar and sow when discussing pigs. While these are common names:
Boar refers to an adult male pig
Sow refers to an adult female pig
It is important to note that there is no separate scientific name for pig male or the scientific name for pig female, as both belong to the same species, Sus domesticus.
Physical Traits and Behaviour
Body Structure: Pigs have a stout body with short legs, bristly hair, and a round snout that is highly sensitive. They are often pinkish (in domestic breeds), though wild boars tend to have darker coats.
Diet: Domestic pigs are omnivores, but they are mostly fed on soybean and corn meal supplemented with minerals and vitamins. In the wild, pigs will eat everything from roots and tubers to insects and small animals.
Sense of Smell: Pigs possess an impressive sense of smell, which some researchers suggest can be nearly 2000 times more sensitive than that of humans. This keen sense of smell is why pigs are often used to locate truffles—valuable fungi found underground in certain European countries.
Social Behaviour: Pigs are social animals and tend to live in groups. They communicate with each other using a range of grunts and squeaks.
Distribution and Habitat
Originally, wild boars roamed across large regions in Europe and Asia, making them the natural ancestors of domestic pigs. Humans have introduced domestic pigs to most continents, including North America, South America, and Australia. Today, pigs can adapt to a variety of habitats, especially if they are under human care.
Uses of Pigs
Meat Production: Pigs are commonly farmed for pork, which is consumed in many parts of the world.
Leather and Brushes: Pigskin can be processed into leather, and pig bristles are sometimes used to make high-quality brushes.
Medical Research: The anatomy and physiology of pigs are, in some aspects, comparable to humans. Hence, they are often used in medical research and organ transplantation studies.
Pig Lifespan
In natural or small-scale farming conditions, pigs can live for around 15 to 20 years. However, in commercial settings, the pig's lifespan is often much shorter due to farming practices related to meat production.
Additional Interesting Facts
Domestic pigs can reach weights of over 300 kg (660 lb) in some breeds.
Wild boars can be lighter or heavier depending on their habitat and diet.
Pigs cannot sweat effectively, which is why they roll in mud or water to cool off.
They are known for their intelligence and are trainable with reward-based methods.
Quick Mnemonic for Pig Classification
Here’s a simple mnemonic to remember the classification from Kingdom to Species for the domestic pig:
“Kindly Please Check My Amazing Order, Sister Sus domesticus!”
K: Kingdom (Animalia)
P: Phylum (Chordata)
C: Class (Mammalia)
M: Order (Artiodactyla)
A: Family (Suidae)
O: Genus (Sus)
S: Species (domesticus)
Short Quiz on Pigs (With Answers)
1. Question: What is the scientific name for a pig (domestic pig)?
Answer: Sus domesticus
2. Question: Which sense is extremely developed in pigs?
Answer: Sense of smell
3. Question: What is the male pig commonly called?
Answer: Boar
4. Question: Which order do pigs belong to?
Answer: Artiodactyla
5. Question: How long can a domestic pig potentially live under ideal conditions?
Answer: Around 15 to 20 years
Related Topics to Explore
FAQs on Scientific Name of Pig – Classification and Key Facts
1. What is the scientific name for pig male and female?
There is no separate scientific name for a pig male or a scientific name for a pig female, as both belong to the same species, Sus domesticus. The male is commonly called a boar, and the female is commonly called a sow.
2. How did pigs spread worldwide?
Pigs were first domesticated from wild boars in Europe and Asia. Over centuries, humans introduced them to other continents, such as North and South America, as well as Australia.
3. Are pigs really dirty animals?
Pigs are often misunderstood as dirty because they roll in mud. However, this is usually to keep them cool since they cannot sweat effectively. They also keep their living areas separate from where they eat or rest if given enough space.
4. What is the typical pig lifespan in commercial farming?
In commercial farming, pigs are usually raised for meat production and do not reach their full lifespan of 15 to 20 years. They might be raised for only a few months to a couple of years, depending on farming practices.
5. Why are pigs used in medical research?
Pigs share several physiological similarities with humans, making them helpful in studying diseases, testing treatments, and exploring organ transplantation possibilities.
