Nearest realtive

[cavyinhawaii]

Is the Capybara the closest relative of the Guinea pig? I have recieved a lot of questions lately. Many people make the mistake of thinking that Guinea pigs are related to Rabbits or Rats. It drives me nuts. If you just look at the anatomy of a rabbit you know they are not related. The two don't even look remotely simular.To me Rabbits look more like a tiny Kangroo than a Guinea pig.
Anyway I just want to have an intelligent, correct answer next time I get the question " They are like rabbits, right?"

[auburnmare5]

From what I have heard and understand, they are related to the guinea pig. But I am not totally sure about it. To me, they look very similar to a gp. According to wikipedia they are related to gps, chinchillas etc... I know wikipedi ais not the most reliable, but I will try to find more .

[cavyinhawaii]

I think I found an answer at the university of Michigan site.
There are 2 subfamilies of Caviidae.
Caviidae and Dolichotinae. Cavys are Caviidae. From what I can tell the closest relative is wild cavys and then the Capybara. The other family is Dolichotinae which contains hares. So they are related but distant cousins maybe is the best way to discribe their relationship.

[Toadies]

As far as rabbits and guineapigs being related, they are both rear or lower gut digesters. Alot of what works for or applies to rabbits works for or applies to GPs as well.