The first guinea pig was domesticated by the Incas. They grew animals for fun, for meat, sometimes they were sacrificed to the gods. There are many species of wild guinea pig. Outwardly they look like home, but somewhat larger, with a more slender figure and more mobile. Color of fur is monochrome – gray, brown or brown. In nature, small animals live in small communities, constructing numerous burrows.
Some species of guinea pigs, in particular the Bolivian, prefer to settle in large clusters, building entire underground towns, which makes the terrain difficult for the traveler, and especially for the horseman – the hooves of the horse now and again fall into holes.
Why are these animals called mumps? Perhaps because when they are calm, they quietly grunt, and, being very frightened, scream like small pigs. Or because they have a big head, a short neck and a thick body. And what, in this case, binds the landed, water-resistant gilts to the sea? By sea in the XVI century they were brought from South America to Europe by the Spaniards.
Very peaceful and unpretentious pigs for a long time were satellites seafarers. Obviously, for these reasons the animals began to be called first overseas, and later – marine. By the way, guinea pigs are called in Russia and Germany, in countries of western Europe they are called Peruvian, and in their homeland – in South America – aprea or gui. There are guinea pigs and scientific name – kavia.
