Hystricidae, the Old World porcupines, is a family of three genera of large terrestrial rodents distinguished by thick cylindrical or flattened spines that cover the whole body without ordinary hair mixed in. They range across southern Europe and the Levant, most of Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia as far east as Flores. Although Old World and New World porcupines both belong to the infraorder Hystricognathi, the two groups are evolutionarily distinct and not particularly closely related.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Sources
1. Wikipedia: Old World porcupine
WikipediaIntroductionQuote, Introduction
The Old World porcupines, or Hystricidae, are large terrestrial rodents, distinguished by the spiny covering from which they take their name.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.