Rodentia – Rodents
They came early, expanded exponentially, and spread spectacularly
Rodents stand out in the animal kingdom due to their incredible diversity and adaptability, comprising a staggering 40% of all mammalian species. These creatures are characterized by a pair of continuously growing incisors in both the upper and lower jaws, which they must constantly gnaw to keep at a manageable size. From the urban-dwelling rat, known for its cunning survival skills, to the industrious beaver, whose dam-building activities are a marvel of natural engineering, and the endearing hamster, often chosen as a first pet for children, rodents are a ubiquitous presence in various ecosystems around the globe.
But don’t be misled into lumping rabbits and hares with this group; although they share some similarities with rodents, they belong to a different order altogether, the Lagomorpha. Despite this common misconception, rodents are distinct in their dental anatomy and various other biological traits.
Rodents often bear the brunt of human disdain, mainly due to their association with numerous infectious diseases and infestations. The history of rodents as vectors of devastating plagues is well-documented, and their capacity to host lice and other parasites has made them unwelcome guests in many human habitations. Yet, it’s essential to recognize the pivotal role these small but mighty creatures play in the web of life. Their presence in the food chain is significant; they are a source of sustenance for a variety of predators and contribute to the health of ecosystems through their activities, which include seed dispersal and soil aeration.
The ingenuity of rodents in navigating human-made environments is something many of us are familiar with. The common house mouse is a prime example of their adaptability, often finding its way into homes through gaps no wider than a pencil. These tiny but resourceful explorers are adept at exploiting the smallest of opportunities to secure shelter and food.
While it is easy to focus on the less endearing qualities of rodents, it is worth considering their role in scientific research. As model organisms, they have contributed vastly to our understanding of genetics, disease, and the effects of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, in some cultures, rodents are seen not as pests but as integral parts of their traditional lifestyles and ecosystems.
Did you know?
- The fossil records show that the largest rodent (Josephoartigasia) weighed about one ton.
- They have survived and evolved different climatic conditions, inhabiting all the continents except Antarctica.
- Despite merciless killings, these animals have managed to thrive all these centuries.
- The evolutionary history of these animals dates back to about 56 million years.
Families in this order
The family of New World rats and mice, voles, hamsters, and relatives -sounds like a mouthful, no?
The largest family of mammals and rodents containing the Old-World mice and rats, gerbils, whistling rats, and relatives
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, it’s not hard to see why we are nuts about squirrels
The spiny rats -when held from the tail, they break it off and run harmlessly to their burrow except for the loss of a tail, obviously!
The family of African and Malagasy endemic rats and mice contains around 61 species and 21 genera
The family of pocket mice and kangaroo rats -which despite their name, are neither kangaroo nor rats!
Meet the Tuco-Tucos, which gets their name from the ‘tuc-tuc’ sound they make while they dig their burrows
Small but mighty: packet gophers are underground mammals that pack a punch despite their shrinking habitat
-“My, what a long tail you have… and what big feet you have!” – “…all the better to jump with”
A family of burrowing rodents and agricultural pests
Meet the Hazel mice – a sleepy, charming, undeniably cute rodent family that needs trees to survive and is seriously endangered
Although rodents, blesmols live like insects in colonies of up to several dozen, which a Queen leads
Native to South America, this family includes pet guinea pigs and the largest rodent alive; the capybara
A family of mouse-like jumping rodents that are found throughout Eurasia and contain around thirteen species in total
The prickliest of all rodents
Giant yet much lovable rodents of South and Central America
Degus, rock rats, and viscacha rats -small, social, and highly vocal rodents found in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina
They don’t bite, neither they run away. Prepare to get spiked if you mess with a porcupine!
The family of the jumping mice -why walk when you can jump? It certainly looks cooler!
The family of chinchilla rats -which are charismatic but look like someone crossed a chinchilla with a rat
The family of small mouse-like hamsters that are found in n Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan
The family of dormice and dormouse – tiny, golden-brown creatures known for their sleepy disposition and winter hibernation
Native to the forests of central Africa, this family of scaly-tailed squirrels contains seven species divided into three genera
The family of chinchillas, the viscachas -rodents with dark eyes, velvety rounded ears, and plush, grayish fur
These Roly-poly rodents are commonly known as Gundi or comb rats, found in northern Asia and Africa
The family of cane rats -large wild rodents that have been recently domesticated in Africa for meat production
Perhaps the most industrious rodents in the world, meet the family of dam-building swimmers!
Meet the pacas – large pig-like rodents with dots and stripes, short ears, and a barely visible tail
Q: What has a rabbit’s face bounces like a kangaroo but is a rodent? A: A Springhare!
Do you know the mountain beavers? You have just never had the time to talk about them. So, now is the time!
They have a face and body that only a mother can love, but naked mole rats can offer biomedical science
A family that contains the world’s most mysterious mammal, Zenkerella which is also lovingly called “the ultimate Pokémon”
A family of hystricomorph rodents that was considered to be extinct for nearly 11 million years
The pacaranas -rare nocturnal rodents that are found only in the tropical forests of the western Amazon River basin
The family contains only a single species -the dassie rat. Rodents that are found in southwestern Africa.
