Lagomorphs are closely related to which group according to recent evidence?

• A. Primates
• B. Rodents
• C. Birds
• D. Amphibians

Answer: (B)

Understanding how evolutionary relationships are determined using genetic data helps explain why lagomorphs are linked to rodents. Recent evidence from DNA sequences, gene order, and other molecular markers shows that lagomorphs are more closely related to rodents than to birds, amphibians, or primates. They share a recent common ancestor with rodents, forming a clade within the larger Euarchontoglires group, which reflects their close genetic kinship. Primates diverged earlier in the mammal family tree, while birds and amphibians are not part of the mammal lineage, so they are not the closest relatives. Therefore, the closest group to lagomorphs is rodents.