The correct spelling of the animal commonly known as the "varying hare" is "Lepus americanus". The spelling of "varying hare" is based on its variable coloration during the changing seasons. The pronunciation of Lepus americanus is /ˈliːpəs əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnəs/, with emphasis on the second syllable of both words. The phonetic transcription, /liːpəs əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnəs/, includes the long "e" sound in both "Lepus" and "Americanus," and the schwa sound in the second syllable of "Lepus."
The varying hare, scientifically known as Lepus americanus, is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. It is a species of hare belonging to the family Leporidae, which also includes rabbits. Varying hares are characterized by their distinct color-changing fur, which helps them camouflage in changing seasons.
Physically, varying hares have a compact body with relatively long hind legs and large ears. Their fur is usually brownish-gray during the summer, but it undergoes a remarkable transformation during winter. As the snow begins to fall, their fur changes to a pure white color, enabling them to blend effortlessly with their snowy surroundings. This ability to adapt their fur coloration is a unique and crucial survival mechanism for varying hares, as it allows them to evade predation.
Furthermore, these hares are known for their exceptional agility, speed, and prodigious leaping ability, which aids in their escape from predators. They are mainly herbivorous creatures, feeding on a variety of plants, grasses, buds, and bark. Additionally, varying hares are nocturnal, being most active during the twilight hours, dusk, and dawn.
The varying hare population stretches from the boreal forests of Alaska and Canada to New England and the northern regions of the United States. They inhabit diverse habitats, including forests, thickets, meadows, and shrublands.
In summary, the varying hare is a North American mammal belonging to the hare family. It is renowned for its unique ability to change fur coloration, its agility, and its widespread distribution across various habitats.
The etymology of the term "varying hare" can be broken down as follows:
1. Varying: The word "varying" comes from the verb "vary", which dates back to the 14th century. It derives from the Old French word "varier", meaning "to change" or "to alter". Ultimately, this can be traced back to the Latin word "variare", with the same meaning.
2. Hare: The word "hare" refers to a small, fast-running mammal of the family Leporidae, typically having long ears and long hind legs. It dates back to the Old English word "hara", which has Germanic origins.
Therefore, the term "varying hare" simply describes a type of hare that is known for its ability to change its appearance to blend in with its surroundings.