jäniseläimet

Jäniseläimet is the Finnish name for the order Lagomorpha. This order of mammals comprises two families: Leporidae (hares and rabbits) and Ochotonidae (pikas). Lagomorphs are distinguished by several key features, most notably their four incisors in the upper jaw, two of which are small peg-like teeth located directly behind the larger pair. This contrasts with rodents, which possess only two upper incisors. Another characteristic is their hind legs, which are typically longer and stronger than their forelimbs, adapted for hopping and running.

The diet of jäniseläimet consists primarily of plant matter, including grasses, herbs, leaves, and bark. They are herbivores and practice coprophagy, re-ingesting their own feces to extract maximum nutrients from their food. This behavior is particularly important for obtaining B vitamins and other nutrients synthesized by gut bacteria. Jäniseläimet are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, though they were introduced to Australia by Europeans. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from deserts and grasslands to forests and mountains.

Rabbits and hares are the most familiar members of this order. Hares are generally larger than rabbits, have longer ears and legs, and typically live in open areas, often creating simple nests on the ground. Rabbits, conversely, are usually smaller, have shorter ears and legs, and are known for digging complex burrows. Pikas, on the other hand, are smaller, rounder mammals found in rocky, mountainous regions of Asia and North America. They do not hibernate but instead gather vegetation to create "haypiles" for sustenance during winter.