What Family Do Rats Belong To?

When it comes to the animal kingdom, rats are classified as members of the rodent family. These rodents are primarily scavengers, feeding on trash and unprotected food. They also carry and transmit diseases. The main enemies of rats are humans and cats. They eat up to 50 million tons of rice annually.

Rats and mice share a common origin and are related to each other. They share similar characteristics such as having powerful front incisors and a gap between their molars. They also have more complex jaw musculature, which makes them capable of gnawing. However, some rodents do not have a front incisor and thus do not belong to this family.

Rats are used in a variety of experiments. One example is in the medical field. Some researchers use rats to detect toxins and other contaminants. In addition, they are commonly used as pets. In Belgium, the non-governmental organization APOPO trains African giant pouched rats, or Cricetomys gambianus, to detect landmines. These rats can also diagnose diseases such as tuberculosis.

Rats are social animals. They live communally and are raised communally. Rats are usually omnivorous, although some are more specialized. Fish-eating rats live in streams and feed on small fish. Kangaroo rats live in dry environments and obtain water through seeds or insects. The marmoset rat feeds on bamboo and builds nests in stems.