Muridae
Muridae
Muridae (/mjuːˈrɪdiː/; from Latin muris, meaning "mouse") is the largest family of rodents and mammals, comprising over 700 species found naturally throughout Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.
Etymology
The term "Muridae" comes from the Latin word muris, which translates to "mouse". This is a reference to the fact that the family includes many species commonly referred to as mice.
Characteristics
Members of the Muridae family, often referred to as Murids, are small to medium-sized rodents, varying greatly in shape and size. They typically have a robust body, short limbs, a long tail, and a pointed snout with sharp incisors. Murids have adapted to a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to human settlements.
Classification
Muridae is divided into two subfamilies: Murinae and Gerbillinae, which include rats, mice, gerbils, and relatives. The Murinae subfamily is the largest, containing nearly two-thirds of all Muridae species.
Behavior
Murids are generally nocturnal and omnivorous, although some species are specialized for certain types of food, such as grains or insects. They are known for their ability to adapt to human environments, making them some of the most successful mammals on the planet.
Related Terms
- Rodentia: The order to which Muridae belongs.
- Mammalia: The class of vertebrates that Muridae is a part of.
- Murinae: The largest subfamily of Muridae.
- Gerbillinae: A subfamily of Muridae that includes gerbils and their relatives.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Muridae
- Wikipedia's article - Muridae
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