What Family Are Rats in?
WouterRats are mammals that are classified in the family Muridae. This family includes many species of mice, rats, and gerbils. This family includes a wide variety of species, and is the largest group of mammals. There are approximately 1,383 different species within the Muridae.
Rats are omnivores, but some species are more specialized. For example, the naked mole rat lives underground and eats seeds and small fish. The fish-eating rat lives near streams and gets its water from insects and seeds. The marmoset rat is native to New Guinea and can weigh two pounds.
Rats have three pairs of teeth. One pair is called the incisor and the other pairs are called molars. The incisors are constantly growing and can be overgrown. This is called malocclusion. Malocclusion is often hereditary, but can also result from improper diet or overly soft food. Rats can be treated with antibiotics.
Rats are medium-sized rodents with long tails. Their tails are usually shorter than their bodies, but their tails may be as long as their bodies. In addition to consuming grains and other foods, rats eat fruit and pet food. They are also capable of climbing and burrowing, and can live in a wide variety of environments.
Rats reproduce very quickly. Females can produce as many as 12 litters of two to 22 young in a year. The average litter size is eight or nine. Female rats will continue breeding until they reach about 18 months old. Young rats are born without fur and blind, but develop rapidly. The young are weaned within three weeks, and they are sexually mature in three months.
