Where Did Raccoons Originate?
Raccoons are one of the most common animals in North America. They are found in almost every state and can be seen in both rural and urban areas. They are so common that many people do not give them a second thought. But have you ever wondered where these creatures came from?
Where Did Raccoons Come From?
The procyonid family, to which raccoons belong, first originated in Europe about 25 million years ago. Over the millennia, these early raccoons slowly made their way across the Bering land bridge into Central or South America. From there, ancestors of the common raccoon spread to North America where they began to evolve into the creatures we know today.
The genetic diversity among raccoons found in North America today is thought to be the result of this long and complicated history.
Some procyonids like the crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) stayed on the tropical side of the continent while others moved further north into temperate regions.
Where Did The Name “Raccoon” Come From?
The word raccoon has its origins in the Algonquin word arukhkun, meaning “he who rubs, scrubs and scratches with his hands.” This is a reference to the animal’s habit of washing its food before eating it.
The English word raccoon was first recorded in 1706, and it was originally spelled raccon. The spelling was later changed to racoon, and it has been spelled this way ever since. The word raccoon is thought to be derived from the Powhatan word aroughcun, which is also thought to be of Algonquin origin.
The word procyon from procyon lotor, raccoon’s scientific name, comes from the Greek words pro, meaning “before,” and kyon, meaning “dog.” This is a reference to the fact that raccoons were once thought to be members of the dog family. The word lotor comes from the Latin word for “washer,” which is a reference to the animal’s habit of washing its food.
The word “coon” the abbreviated colloquialism for “raccoon” didn’t come about until the early 1800s when it was made a nickname for the Whig Party in the United States. It has since then been used as a derogatory term for persons of African descent.
Raccoon Taxonomy: What Family Do Raccoons Belong To?
The scientific name for the raccoon is Procyon lotor, and it belongs to the family Procyonidae. This family also includes other animals such as the ringtail, kinkajou, and olingo.
Procyonids are a diverse group of animals, ranging in size from the tiny olingo, which weighs less than a pound, to the kinkajou, which can weigh up to 10 pounds. They are found in North and South America, as well as parts of Asia. Procyonids are most closely related to the bear family, Ursidae.
Evolution And Natural History: How Did Raccoons Evolve?
From their ringtail and cacomistle ancestors, p. lotor has evolved into the animals we know today. They can stand on their hind legs, have become excellent climbers, and their front paws have evolved to be very nimble and dexterous.
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