The Elephant’s Tiny Secret Cousin

Despite looking like oversized rodents, hyraxes are actually close living relatives of elephants. These rabbit-sized creatures share surprising genetic traits with massive pachyderms, including unique tooth structures and feet.

It sounds impossible that a creature the size of a marmot is kin to the African elephant. However, scientists discovered they share a common ancestor, placing them in the same biological superorder. You can even see traces of this link in their peculiar incisor teeth and specialized foot pads. It is a perfect reminder that appearances in the animal kingdom can be completely misleading.