Rodents constitute the largest order of mammals.
A rodent is a small mammal characterized by its incisor teeth . These teeth, which grow continuously, allow them to gnaw (that is, wear something down or cut it into small pieces).
Before moving forward, it is important to know that the term rodent has its origins in Latin, being the sum of two delimited components:
- The verb rodere , which can be translated as “gnaw.”
- The suffix -dor , used to indicate an “agent” .
Rodent characteristics
Rodents constitute the order of mammals with the largest number of species. There are almost 2,300 species of rodents that are distributed throughout the planet , with the exception of Antarctica .
At a general level it can be said that rodents have four short legs and a tail . Most do not exceed thirty centimeters in length, although some reach one meter.
Experts attribute the large rodent population to their fecundity and their ability to sneak and hide from predators. These animals have also managed to adapt to various environments: it is possible to find rodents in the jungle , in the desert and in the mountains, to name a few regions.
The mouse is a rodent.
Other information of interest
In addition to all of the above, it is interesting to know another series of interesting facts about rodents:
- Some of its species are considered real pests.
- They are identified by having very sharp teeth, which lead them, among other things, to bite other predators, to be able to gnaw through wood and even pierce numerous surfaces as well as food. This aspect is so important that the development of its chewing apparatus is considered one of the most significant among mammals.
- As a general rule, they are herbivores, although there are animals within their order that can also feed on other types of products.
- Although their life expectancy is usually considered to be between one and two years, there are rodents such as the porcupine that are capable of living up to 27 years.
- Rodents currently considered pets or companion animals include guinea pigs , hamsters , squirrels , and gerbils .
- Among the best-known mice that are part of our cultural heritage are Mickey Mouse , Gerónimo Stilton and Jerry from the “Tom & Jerry” series.
Rodents and humans
Among the best-known rodents are rats , mice , rabbits , hares , beavers , squirrels and hamsters . It is important to mention that, while some rodents are considered pets in certain countries , others are defined as pests due to the damage they cause to crops and for being vectors of diseases.
There are rodents, on the other hand, that are consumed as food by humans . This is the case of rabbit and cui (or guinea pig ), which are used to prepare different dishes, such as rabbit hunter (accompanied by potatoes, carrots, onions and other ingredients) and roast guinea pig .