Hare like mammal (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: RABBIT (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Hare like mammal" with 6 letters is "RABBIT".Rabbit is a small, hare-like mammal known for its long ears, soft fur, and quick movements. It is a herbivorous animal that lives in burrows and is commonly found in both wild and domestic environments, often symbolizing gentleness and agility.
Why "Rabbit" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning "hare like mammal." The answer, RABBIT, fits perfectly:
- Hare like mammal: Rabbit is a small to medium-sized mammal closely related to the hare, belonging to the family Leporidae — exactly matching the clue's definition.
- Direct match: With six letters, rabbit fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word identifies a specific mammal sharing many characteristics with hares, including long ears, powerful hind legs, and herbivorous diet.
Rabbit is one of the most familiar and widespread mammals, with a long history of interaction with human culture:
Origin and usage:
- The word rabbit comes from Old French connil, derived from Latin cuniculus, meaning a burrowing animal.
- It entered English in the 14th century, initially describing wild rabbits before domestication became common.
- Today, rabbit refers to both wild and domesticated varieties across multiple species and breeds.
Biological relationship to hares:
- Both rabbits and hares belong to the order Lagomorpha.
- Rabbits are generally smaller, born hairless and blind, and live in underground burrows.
- Hares are larger, born fully furred and sighted, and live aboveground in shallow forms.
Characteristics:
- Long, flexible ears used for hearing and temperature regulation.
- Powerful hind legs enabling rapid movement (speeds up to 35 mph).
- Front teeth that never stop growing, requiring constant gnawing to maintain.
- Herbivorous diet of grasses, clover, vegetables, and bark.
Examples:
- "The rabbit disappeared into its burrow at the first sign of danger."
- "She kept a fluffy rabbit as a childhood pet."
- "Wild rabbits are common in meadows and grasslands."
In quick crosswords like "Hare like mammal (6)," clues often describe animals by their similarities to other species or by their most recognizable traits:
Definition: "Hare like mammal" points directly to rabbit as a creature sharing many features with the hare.
Clue type: Simple definition clue — factual and zoological.
Solving approach:
- Focus on six-letter mammals related to or resembling hares (rabbit, rodent, etc.).
- The phrase "hare like" signals a close biological relationship, immediately suggesting rabbit.
- The enumeration (6) confirms rabbit as the perfect fit.
Crossword pattern: Common animals and familiar mammals like rabbit, badger, squirrel, and ferret are frequent crossword answers due to their widespread recognition and universal familiarity.
