What Is the Scientific Name for a Pig?
The scientific name for a pig is Sus scrofa. This species belongs to the family Suidae, which includes both wild boars and domesticated pigs. While pigs have been domesticated for thousands of years, their wild ancestors, the wild boar, still share the same scientific name. Pigs are part of the order Artiodactyla, which also includes other even-toed ungulates like deer and cows.
How Pigs Are Classified
Pigs belong to the genus Sus, which includes several species of wild boars and domesticated pigs. The domesticated pig, or farm pig, is a subspecies of Sus scrofa and has been selectively bred over generations to meet human needs for meat, leather, and other products. Wild boars, still found in parts of Europe and Asia, are the ancestors of modern pigs and are also part of the Sus scrofa species.
Why the Scientific Name Matters
The scientific name Sus scrofa helps researchers and biologists clearly identify pigs and their relatives, distinguishing them from other animals. Using scientific names ensures that everyone around the world refers to the same species in the same way, providing consistency in scientific studies and animal classification.
The Simple Takeaway
The scientific name for a pig is Sus scrofa, which also refers to its wild ancestor, the wild boar. This name is part of the formal system of animal classification that helps scientists identify and study different species.