Why Does Rats Exist?
WouterMany people are not aware of the fact that rats are one of the most common mammals in the world. They are nocturnal animals that leave their nests at dusk. They are also very shy, which helps them stay undetected. This trait helps them survive in large numbers in areas where humans are less likely to see them. In addition to this, rats are also very adaptable, and they are easily adapted to new routines, food sources, and environments.
The evolution of rats’ immune systems may have attributed to their remarkable resistance to pestilences. This resistance might be the main reason why they live on every continent except Antarctica. The brown rat is commonly referred to as “the common rat” in the United States and Israel. It is a member of the rodent family that originated in the Fertile Crescent.
Because of their large teeth and powerful jaws, rats can chew through many surfaces, including buildings and siding. They can also chew through cement and soft stone. They also have the ability to swim up pipes and enter homes through basement bathrooms. Although there are no proven ways to exterminate them, the only effective way to control their population is to change the environment and reduce the number of rats.
Rats vary in appearance from species to species. Most species are small in size, but some species can grow up to 5 inches (12 centimeters). Currently, the world is home to 60 species of rat. The largest species, the Bosavi woolly rat, was discovered in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea in 2009. This species weighs about three pounds (1.4 kilograms) and is about the size of a small cat. The smallest species, the Osgood’s Vietnamese rat, is five to seven inches (12 to 17 centimeters) long.
