Greetings, and welcome to our intriguing voyage through the hedgehog universe. These fascinating animals have always captivated us due to their unusually spiky look. We look deeply at hedgehogs in this blog, highlighting their traits, habits, and ecological niche. The answer to the following question is essential to our comprehension: What is a hedgehog classified as? This research is necessary for their protection and understanding of their place in our world’s biodiversity, not merely to satiate human curiosity. Come along as we explore the fascinating world of hedgehogs and find the answer to this crucial question.
Table of Contents
Taxonomic Classification of Hedgehogs
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Erinaceomorpha
- Genus and Species
- Other Hedgehog Species
Kingdom: Animalia
Hedgehogs indeed belong to the animal kingdom, which is scientifically referred to as “Animalia.” The classification of hedgehogs within the animal kingdom is based on their shared characteristics with other animals and their evolutionary history and genetic relationships. Let’s delve into what defines animals and sets them apart from other organisms:
Animals are multicellular organisms: One thing that makes an animal an
animal is that it is complex, which means that it is made up of many cells that are grouped into tissues, organs, and organ systems. This multicellular nature allows hedgehogs to perform specialized functions and exhibit various body forms and structures.
Heterotrophic nutrition: Heterotrophic animals can’t create food through photosynthesis like plants. Instead, they eat plants and animals for energy and minerals. Hedgehogs, for example, are insectivores and primarily feed on insects, making them heterotrophic.
Mobility: Most animals can move at some point in their lives. This mobility may be limited to specific life stages or a characteristic of their entire life cycle. Hedgehogs can walk and roll into balls for defense.
Nervous system and response to stimuli: Animals connect with their surroundings through their neurological system. This responsiveness includes detecting and processing sensory information, such as sight, sound, touch, and smell. Hedgehogs have well-developed senses, including a keen sense of smell and hearing, which they use for finding food and avoiding predators.
Reproduction: Animals typically reproduce sexually, although there are exceptions, such as asexual reproduction in some species. Sexual reproduction produces genetically diverse children by fusing gametes (sperm and egg cells) from two parents. Hedgehogs reproduce sexually, with males and females coming together for mating.
Embryonic development: Animals undergo a characteristic embryonic development process, which includes stages such as fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis. Like other animals, Hedgehogs have embryonic development patterns specific to their species.
These are some of the fundamental characteristics that define animals and differentiate them from other organisms like plants, fungi, and bacteria. As members of the animal kingdom, Hedgehogs exhibit these features, demonstrating their place in the vast and diverse world of animal life.
Phylum: Chordata
Hedgehogs are part of the varied and well-known Phylum Chordata. Several traits distinguish chordates from other animal species. These traits are usually present during development, although not all adult phylum members have them. Chordates have several characteristics:
Notochord: The flexible, rod-like notochord runs along the human back. It supports and connects muscles. During development, vertebrate chordates like hedgehogs replace the notochord with the spine. However, some vertebral structures may retain vestiges.
Dorsal Nerve Cord: On the dorsal side of the body, chordates have a hollow, tubular nerve cord. The brain and spinal cord grow from this nerve cord. Hedgehogs’ dorsal nerve cord forms their spinal cord.
Pharyngeal Slits or Clefts: In the area of the pharynx, chordates have apertures called pharyngeal slits or notches. In aquatic chordates, these structures filter feed and exchange gas. These structures may become the Eustachian tube in mammals or fish gills in terrestrial animals like hedgehogs.
Post-anal Tail: At some stage in their development, the tail of a chordate grows beyond the anus. Some mature chordates, like hedgehogs, retain this trait, whereas others modify it.
Endostyle or Thyroid Gland: Many chordates have an endostyle or a thyroid gland, which is involved in many bodily processes, such as the metabolism of iodine in mammalian chordates.
The chordate traits of hedgehogs, Mammalia in the phylum Chordata, are present during development. Mammals have pharyngeal structures tailored to their eating habits, a notochord during embryonic stages, and a dorsal nerve cord that forms the spinal cord.
Class: Mammalia
Hedgehogs are mammals because they share certain features with other animals.
Mammary Glands: Mammals have mammary glands, particular organs that make milk. Breastmilk is produced by these glands in female animals. Hedgehog females give milk to their offspring.
Viviparity: Mammals are viviparous, which means that, in contrast to reptiles and amphibians, they give birth to living children. The exact process applies to hedgehog reproduction. Female hedgehogs carry their embryos internally and give birth to live hoglets.
Endothermic (Warm-Blooded): Mammals can adjust their body temperature internally. This lets them keep a steady body temperature independent of their surroundings. Warm-blooded hedgehogs can create and sustain body heat.
Hair and Fur: Most animals have hair or fur covering their bodies, which performs a variety of roles, such as insulation, protection, and senses. Hedgehogs have a sensitive underbelly with fur-like hair and spines to defend them from predators.
Well-Developed Respiratory and Circulatory Systems: Mammals need highly developed respiratory and circulatory systems to oxygenate their bodies and distribute nutrients effectively. Hedgehogs, like all mammals, have metabolic support systems.
Order: Erinaceomorpha
Hedgehogs are in the family Erinaceidae, and they have a few traits that make them different from other animals in this family.
Spiny Coat: Hedgehogs have hundreds of sharp, pointed keratin spines, making them stand out. These spines guard against predators. Hedgehogs may curl into a ball with their spines protecting their sensitive portions when frightened or alarmed.
Nocturnal Behavior: Hedgehogs operate primarily at night. This protects them from daylight predators and harsh temperatures.
Diet: Hedgehogs eat mostly beetles, worms, and caterpillars. Their strong senses of smell and hearing help them find prey at night.
Highly skilled climbers: Hedgehogs are excellent climbers. Their claws and limbs let them climb low barriers and cross challenging terrain.
Hibernation: To preserve energy and withstand severe weather, hedgehogs in areas with frigid winters enter a state of hibernation. Their metabolic rate lowers during hibernation, allowing them to go without food for lengthy durations.
Effective Thermoregulation: Hedgehogs regulate their body temperature efficiently. They can survive several temperatures by changing their metabolic rate and becoming torpid under extreme heat or cold.
Low Reproductive Rate: Hedgehogs reproduce less than other Erinaceidae animals. One or two litters each year with a few pups are normal.
Solitary: Hedgehogs prefer to live alone. Hedgehogs form territories and avoid one other unless during mating season.
Genus and Species
The European Hedgehog(Erinaceus europaeus) is a tiny mammal in the Erinaceidae family. Specifics regarding this species:
Geographical Distribution:
The European Hedgehog is found across Europe and Western Asia. It extends from the British Isles and Scandinavia in the northwest to the Ural Mountains in the east and as far south as northern Spain and Italy. Asian countries like Turkey and the Caucasus have them.
Physical Features:
- Size: European hedgehogs are 20–30 centimeters (8–12 inches) long with a few-centimeter tail.
- Weight: They weigh 500–1,100 grams (1.1–2.4 pounds).
- Spines: The European Hedgehog’s spiky coat is unusual. They have 5,000–7,000 spines on their sides and back. Keratin spines defend against predators.
- Color: Their spines are brown or grayish, and their fur is dark brown or gray on the back and sides and lighter underneath.
- Nose: European hedgehogs utilize their extended nose to hunt insects.
Other Hedgehog Species
Besides the European Hedgehog, there are more hedgehog species. Different genera and traits distinguish these species. Some prominent hedgehog species and their classifications:
Atelerix albiventris: African Pygmy Hedgehog
- Genus: Atelerix
- Sub-Saharan African.
- Famous as exotic pets.
- Smaller than European hedgehogs, with several colors.
Long-Eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus Mauritius):
- Genus: Hemiechinus.
- In Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
- Their large ears and spines distinguish them.
- Usually insectivorous at night.
Daurian Hedgehog (Mesechinus darics):
- Genus: Mesechinus
- From Eastern Asia, including China and Russia.
- Their diminutive stature and facial characteristics distinguish them.
- Like insects and tiny invertebrates.
Important Differences and Similarities:
Size:
Different species of hedgehogs have different sizes; some are smaller (like the African Pygmy Hedgehog), while others are bigger (like the European Hedgehog).
Geographic Distribution:
Africa, Asia, and Europe have different species.
Physical Characteristics:
Hedgehog species may have distinctive facial patterns or large ears (large-eared Hedgehog).
Behavior:
Despite being nocturnal and insectivorous, species might differ in behavior.
Conclusion
Overall, hedgehogs are one-of-a-kind and fascinating animals. They are animals and belong to the Erinaceidae family. Their unique, spiked coats and ability to stay awake at night make them easy to spot. Their appeal goes beyond biological classification; their cute looks and interesting behaviors have captured the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide. Hedgehogs indeed show the variety and beauty of nature.
FAQ
where are hedgehogs originally from?
Hedgehogs are initially from Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are not native to North America and Australia.
Which Order Are Hedgehogs in?
The order Eulipotyphla, which is mainly made up of tiny mammals like shrews and moles, is where they are classified.
Does every type of Hedgehog fall under the Eulipotyphla order?
Yes, Eulipotyphla includes all hedgehogs. Hedgehogs, moles, shrews, and solenodons are all in this mammalian order.
Are There Different Species of Hedgehogs?
Yes, there are about 17 recognized species of hedgehogs. These species vary in size, habitat, and physical characteristics.
What is the Scientific Name for the Common Hedgehog?
The scientific name for the most commonly known species, the European Hedgehog, is Erinaceus europaeus.
Are Hedgehogs Threatened?
The level of protection for different kinds of hedgehogs varies. Due to habitat degradation, chemicals, and traffic accidents, some are vulnerable or endangered.