Rabbit vs Pika: What's The Difference
By: NDTVNewsDesk
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Rabbits and pikas are related lagomorphs, but they differ in shape, size and behaviour.
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Pikas are compact, hamster-like with round bodies, while rabbits are larger, more elongated, and built for speed.
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Pikas have short, rounded ears and short limbs; rabbits have long ears and disproportionately long hind legs for hopping.
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Pikas have no external tail; rabbits have a short, fluffy tail (a "cottontail").
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Pikas live in cold, rocky mountain slopes in Asia and North America; rabbits often live in grasslands, forests, and even deserts.
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Pikas don't hibernate but make "haypiles" of plants for winter food; rabbits often live in social groups and don't store food this way.
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Pikas are famously vocal, known for loud "eeeek" or whistling alarm calls, while rabbits are generally quiet.
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They share teeth adaptations for gnawing plants, including lips that can close behind incisors.
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