Do Rats Have Spines?
WouterYou might be wondering, “Do rats have spines?” Rats have developed their spines for survival and can fit through tiny holes in their body. Their skeletal structure is similar to that of an eel or a ferret. Their long, cylindrical body is characterized by narrow shoulders, a flexile back, and a pointed head. These adaptations help them move through tight spaces and get access to food and shelter.
Rats also have bones in their tails. A layer of bones surrounds tendons wrapped in flesh. This layer of bones and tendons helps a rat feel injury. It also helps regulate its body temperature. Some people believe that rats don’t have spines because of their nimble behavior, but that misconception is completely wrong.
Rats have a similar skull to humans, but their cranium is larger and rounded. They also have paired parietals and frontals that cover the anterior part of the cranial cavity. They also have the maxillae and premaxillae, which form the face and upper jaw.
Spiny rats are native to tropical Central and South America and are found in nearly every type of lowland forest. Unlike hedgehogs and porcupines, spiny rats are mainly nocturnal, spending the day in burrows and emerging only at dusk. During the day, the spines are hidden by guard hairs. They are visible only when the fur is brushed up toward the head.
