noun
paleolagine lagomorph; Amami rabbit; red rock hare
Zoological term referring to members of the subfamily Paleolaginae, including the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) and red rock hares (Pronolagus spp.). Used mainly in biological contexts.
ムカシウサギは奄美大島だけに生息する固有種です。
The Amami rabbit is an endemic species found only on Amami Ōshima.
この化石はムカシウサギの祖先のものと考えられている。
This fossil is thought to belong to an ancestor of the paleolagine lagomorphs.
Compound of 昔 (mukashi, 'ancient') and 兎 (usagi, 'rabbit'), referring to the primitive lineage of these lagomorphs. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name reflects their status as 'living fossils'.