Once upon a time, when giant rabbits ruled the earth--!

This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science saying, it's true.

A group of Spanish paleontologists recently reported on the remains of an enormous rabbit--the biggest ever found-on the island of Minorca. Weighing in at nearly twenty-seven pounds, it was six times the size of the rabbits found in Europe today.

But Britain's bunnies need not fear: This gigantic cousin lived three to five million years ago.

The Minorcan King of the Rabbits, as it was dubbed, seems to provide support for the "Island Rule." This theory says big animals on an island get smaller, while small animals get bigger, thanks to a lack of predators.

Indeed, according to the scientists, this giant rabbit's spine was so stiff it couldn't hop. It also had smaller eyes and ears and was rather roly-poly--none of which would help a bunny being hunted down. One scientist said it was like it was on an evolutionary vacation.

Still doesn't explain where baby carrots came from, but I suppose research will continue.



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