The domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus , is a langomorph, not a rodent. They are descended from the wild rabbits of western Europe and northwestern Africa.
Wild rabbits are gregarious, burrowing, herbivorous, nocturnal or crepuscular animals.
The young are born hairless and blind in hair-lined nests. The domestic rabbit comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Many breeds of rabbits are recognized by rabbit breeders associations. The largest breeds include the Giant Chinchilla and the Flemish Giant at 14-16 pounds. Medium sized breeds include the Californian and the New Zealand rabbits at 4- 14 pounds.