Pig: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:58, 23 March 2025

Domesticated and wild species of the genus Sus

The pig is a member of the genus Sus, part of the family Suidae. Pigs include the domestic pig, Sus scrofa domesticus, and its ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), along with other species. Pigs are native to the Eurasian and African continents.

Description[edit]

Pigs are highly social and intelligent animals. They are characterized by their stout bodies, short legs, and a snout that is well adapted for digging. Pigs have a keen sense of smell and are omnivorous, consuming a wide range of food.

Anatomy[edit]

Pigs have a robust skeletal structure. Their skulls are large and elongated, with a distinctive snout used for rooting in the ground. The pig's skeleton is adapted for strength and support, with a strong spine and sturdy limbs.

Behavior[edit]

Pigs are known for their complex social structures and behaviors. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations and are capable of learning tasks and solving problems. Pigs are also known for their rooting behavior, which is a natural instinct to forage for food.

Domestication[edit]

The domestication of pigs began around 9,000 years ago in the Near East. Domestic pigs have been bred for various purposes, including meat production, companionship, and even as truffle hunters due to their excellent sense of smell.

Wild Species[edit]

In addition to the domestic pig, there are several wild species of pigs, including the warthog, the bushpig, and the red river hog.

Warthog[edit]

The warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is native to Africa and is known for its distinctive facial warts and large tusks.

Red River Hog[edit]

The red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus) is found in the forests and savannas of Africa. It is known for its striking red fur and social behavior.

Visayan Warty Pig[edit]

The Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons) is a critically endangered species native to the Philippines. It is characterized by its warty face and tufted hair.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-The pig, also known as the domestic pig or swine, is a mammal that is commonly raised for its meat, known as pork. Pigs are also used for their hides, which are used to make leather, and for their bristles, which are used to make brushes.
+{{short description|Domesticated and wild species of the genus Sus}}
-=== Characteristics ===
+{{Taxobox
-Pigs are intelligent animals that are known for their social nature and curious personalities. They have a keen sense of smell and are able to detect odors up to seven times better than dogs. Pigs are also known for their excellent memory, and have been shown to be able to remember people and objects for several years.
+| name = Pig
-Pigs are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, pigs feed on a variety of foods, including roots, tubers, fruits, and small animals. Domesticated pigs are typically fed a diet of grains and vegetables.
+| image = Pig_farm_Vampula_1.jpg
-=== Uses ===
+| image_caption = Domestic pigs on a farm
-Pigs are primarily raised for their meat, which is a popular food around the world. Pork is used in a variety of dishes, including bacon, ham, sausages, and other cured meats.
+| image2 = Suíno_alta_(cropped).jpg
-Pigs are also used for their hides, which are used to make leather products such as shoes, belts, and handbags. Their bristles are used to make brushes, and their fat is used to make candles and soap.
+| image2_caption = A domestic pig
-In some cultures, pigs are also used for religious or cultural purposes. For example, pigs are considered sacred animals in Hinduism and are often used in religious ceremonies and festivals.
+}}
-=== Sustainability ===
-Pig farming can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the one hand, pigs can be raised on small farms using sustainable and humane practices, and can provide a valuable source of protein and income for local communities.
+The '''pig''' is a member of the genus ''[[Sus]]'', part of the family [[Suidae]]. Pigs include the domestic pig, ''Sus scrofa domesticus'', and its ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar (''Sus scrofa''), along with other species. Pigs are native to the Eurasian and African continents.
-On the other hand, large-scale pig farming can have negative environmental impacts, such as water pollution and deforestation. The use of antibiotics and other chemicals in pig farming can also have negative effects on human health and the environment.
-Many organizations are working to promote sustainable and ethical pig farming practices, and consumers can support these efforts by choosing to buy pork from farms that are certified as sustainable and humane.
+==Description==
-== See also ==
+Pigs are highly social and intelligent animals. They are characterized by their stout bodies, short legs, and a snout that is well adapted for digging. Pigs have a keen sense of smell and are omnivorous, consuming a wide range of food.
-*[[Pork]]
-*[[Animal husbandry]]
+[[File:Domestic_pig_skull_(cropped).jpeg|thumb|right|Skull of a domestic pig]]
-*[[Sustainability]]
-*[[Omnivore]]
+===Anatomy===
-*[[Meat industry]]
+Pigs have a robust skeletal structure. Their skulls are large and elongated, with a distinctive snout used for rooting in the ground. The pig's skeleton is adapted for strength and support, with a strong spine and sturdy limbs.
-[[Category:Mammals]] [[Category:Livestock]] [[Category:Meat]] [[Category:Leather]]
-<gallery>
+[[File:Pig_hand_skeleton_(cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Skeleton of a pig's forelimb]]
-File:Pig_farm_Vampula_1.jpg|Pig
-File:Suíno_alta_(cropped).jpg|Pig
+==Behavior==
-File:Domestic_pig_skull_(cropped).jpeg|Pig
+Pigs are known for their complex social structures and behaviors. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations and are capable of learning tasks and solving problems. Pigs are also known for their rooting behavior, which is a natural instinct to forage for food.
-File:Pig_hand_skeleton_(cropped).jpg|Pig
-File:Hirscheber1a.jpg|Pig
+==Domestication==
-File:Red_River_Hog_Smelling_(22008101555).jpg|Pig
+The domestication of pigs began around 9,000 years ago in the Near East. Domestic pigs have been bred for various purposes, including meat production, companionship, and even as truffle hunters due to their excellent sense of smell.
-File:Southern_warthog_(Phacochoerus_africanus_sundevallii)_male.jpg|Pig
-File:VisayanWartyPig01_(cropped).jpg|Pig
+==Wild Species==
-File:Philippine_warty_pig_(Sus_philippensis)_in_Philippine_Eagle_Center,_Davao,_Philippines.jpg|Pig
+In addition to the domestic pig, there are several wild species of pigs, including the [[warthog]], the [[bushpig]], and the [[red river hog]].
-File:Bornean_bearded_pig.jpg|Pig
-File:Sus_verrucosus.png|Pig
+[[File:Hirscheber1a.jpg|thumb|right|A babirusa, a wild pig species]]
-File:Wildschwein,_Nähe_Pulverstampftor_(cropped).jpg|Pig
-</gallery>
+===Warthog===
+The [[warthog]] (''Phacochoerus africanus'') is native to Africa and is known for its distinctive facial warts and large tusks.
+[[File:Southern_warthog_(Phacochoerus_africanus_sundevallii)_male.jpg|thumb|left|A male southern warthog]]
+===Red River Hog===
+The [[red river hog]] (''Potamochoerus porcus'') is found in the forests and savannas of Africa. It is known for its striking red fur and social behavior.
+[[File:Red_River_Hog_Smelling_(22008101555).jpg|thumb|right|A red river hog]]
+===Visayan Warty Pig===
+The [[Visayan warty pig]] (''Sus cebifrons'') is a critically endangered species native to the Philippines. It is characterized by its warty face and tufted hair.
+[[File:VisayanWartyPig01_(cropped).jpg|thumb|left|A Visayan warty pig]]
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Boar]]
+* [[Suidae]]
+* [[Domestication]]
+* [[Omnivore]]
+[[Category:Suidae]]
+[[Category:Domesticated animals]]
+[[Category:Mammals of Africa]]
+[[Category:Mammals of Asia]]