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.
The Amami rabbit is an endemic species found only on Amami Ōshima.
This fossil is thought to belong to an ancestor of the paleolagine lagomorphs.
Katakana spelling is common for this zoological term; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is usually written in kana.
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'.