The family Suidae comprises pigs, hogs, and boars, which are classic members of the even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla). Suidae species are characterized by their robust bodies, short legs, and a distinctive snout used for rooting in soil. They have an omnivorous diet, consuming everything from plants to small animals, and possess strong, ever-growing canine teeth (tusks) especially prominent in males. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) are descendants of wild boars (Sus scrofa), which along with other Suidae members, play vital roles in their ecosystems as both consumers and ecosystem engineers.
- Include pigs, hogs, and boars in the family Suidae.
- Recognize their hallmark snout used for digging and foraging.
- Note their omnivorous diet, unusual among most herbivorous ungulates.
- Understand the importance of tusks and their use in social behavior.
- Domestic pigs trace back to wild boars, a key Suidae ancestor.
European hedgehog is not a member of *Suidae*.
The snout is primarily used for rooting in the soil to find food.
Traits of *Suidae* include an omnivorous diet, even-toed hooves, and a robust body.
Pigs belong to the order *Artiodactyla*.
Peccaries, camels, and cattle are close relatives of pigs within *Artiodactyla*.
Major Examples of Suidae
- Wild boar (Sus scrofa): Ancestors of domestic pigs; widespread in Eurasia; highly adaptable omnivores with bristly fur and sharp tusks.
- Domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus): Descended from wild boars; selectively bred for food production; exhibit diverse breeds with various sizes and colors.
- Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus): Native to Africa; recognized by facial warts and prominent tusks; graze on grasses and root for tubers.
- Peccaries (Tayassuidae): Though not true Suidae, peccaries are close relatives often included in discussions of pig-like ungulates; native to the Americas; have tighter social groups and different dental patterns.
The domestic pig descends from the wild boar (*Sus scrofa*).
Warthogs are native to Africa.
Wild boars have bristly fur, an omnivorous diet, and strong tusks.
Peccaries belong to a separate family (Tayassuidae), not *Suidae*.
Warthogs are members of *Suidae*, while peccaries and tapirs are not.
They root and disturb soil, affecting seed dispersal and soil properties.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Common Name</th>
<th>Scientific Name</th>
<th>Distribution</th>
<th>Key Characteristics</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Wild Boar</td>
<td><em>Sus scrofa</em></td>
<td>Eurasia, North Africa</td>
<td>Bristly fur, omnivorous, strong tusks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic Pig</td>
<td><em>Sus scrofa domesticus</em></td>
<td>Worldwide</td>
<td>Varied breeds, omnivorous, descended from wild boar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Warthog</td>
<td><em>Phacochoerus africanus</em></td>
<td>Africa</td>
<td>Facial warts, prominent tusks, grazer/rooter</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Male *Suidae* develop ever-growing tusks used for defense and dominance.
*Suidae* adapt with omnivorous teeth, strong jaws, and efficient digestion.
*Suidae* species mostly inhabit forests and woodlands.
*Suidae* commonly root for food, wallow in mud, and live in social groups.
Domestic pigs are a key source of meat and byproducts in farming.
*Suidae* illustrate unique dietary and morphological adaptations in *Artiodactyla*.
Wild *Suidae* contribute to soil aeration, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling.
Warthogs are African *Suidae* with distinctive facial warts; they are omnivores.
Conclusion
The Suidae family exemplifies the diversity within even-toed ungulates, showcasing unique adaptations for omnivory and an active role in ecosystem dynamics.
- Suidae includes pigs, hogs, and boars, all with distinctive snouts and omnivorous diets.
- Major genera include Sus (pigs/boars) and Phacochoerus (warthogs), with domestic pigs derived from wild boars.
- Their rooting behavior profoundly influences soil and vegetation, making them important ecosystem engineers.