I read that somewhere. What do they need the swimming skills for?
2006-10-29 07:40:27 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Why did you rate my question with a Thumbs down you idiot?? (Whoever you are).
It is a legitimate question and yes, pigs are good swimmers. I am not asking you to tell me your opinions.
My question is WHY, FOR WHAT do they need the swimming skills?
2006-10-29 07:47:53 · update #1
Well, you already know that they're good swimmers, but they don't have any specializations _for_ swimming, like the ones that characterize amphibious or aquatic mammals, e.g. webbed feet, streamlined body, eyes, ears and nose high on the head, etc. (compare with an otter, a coypu, or a capybara).
This would be an indication that they're not especialized swimmers, and in fact, pigs have nothing but the basic mammalian ability to swim.
This is a capacity that occurs in almost all mammals. It comes with the "evolutionary package" of being a tetrapod, and it's been conserved from earlier tetrapod ancestors, probably because it comes in handy when the animal encounters any type of water body that it cannot circumvent by other means.
Being a good swimmer is the norm among mammals, not the exception.
2006-10-29 08:42:59 · answer #1 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Most mammals can swim--- Its a survival skill useful for fleeing, surviving floods, seeking food on the other side of a stream, etc.
Quite amazing, I think, that humans have such a hard time learning such a basic skill.
2006-11-05 12:38:58 · answer #2 · answered by Rani 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it must have something to do with hygiene, pigs are claimed to be one of the cleanest animals around though I have my doubts. After-all, when was the last time you saw a pig using a bar of soap ??!! lol !! Seriously though, their ability to swim usually comes into play when they're attempting to avoid capture from predators ..
2006-11-06 02:06:44 · answer #3 · answered by N.E. Cycle rider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the relatives or "ancestors" of pigs lived and live in the jungles. The jungles have many streams and rivers, and Flood almost every year. This is an instinct that has stayed with them through their domestication!!! Hope this answered your question!!
2006-11-05 22:02:54 · answer #4 · answered by aprilsdad97 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they are. why does anything need to swim? To get cross a body of water. pigs encounter water too and it would behoove them to get across it as fast as possible.
2006-11-05 17:30:09 · answer #5 · answered by cero143_326 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pigs love the mud you guys. I think deep mudholes would be a cause for swimming.
2006-10-29 15:50:23 · answer #6 · answered by CheezyYumYums 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It would be logical. Fat floats! They might need to be able to get away from predators that CAN'T swim, So.. reason: survival/defense
2006-11-04 08:36:24 · answer #7 · answered by Dat MrE Guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pigs learned to swim because when they tried to fly, we made fun of them and their tired of the "When pigs fly" jokes
2006-11-05 02:30:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Even if they don't need to swim or the skills
to do so. They can swim!
FAT FLOATS - all they have to do is move their
tiny chubby legs - and off they go!
P.S. - It is a funny question. Oh please - it made me laugh!
2006-10-29 15:54:32 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES.... they are good swimmers & they especially love the mud.
2006-10-29 17:34:25 · answer #10 · answered by Tennis_Ace 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋