The difference between a pig and pork is quite significant and it's important to understand the distinction between the two. A pig is an animal, scientific name Sus scrofa domestica, that belongs to the family Suidae. Pigs are omnivores that usually live in groups, called sounders, and have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. They typically have pink skin with sparse bristly hairs and can be found on six continents around the world.