Oryzomyini: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:02, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

The Oryzomyini is a tribe of rodents within the family Cricetidae, subfamily Sigmodontinae. This group is commonly referred to as the rice rats, and it includes a variety of species that are primarily found in the Neotropics. Members of this tribe are adapted to a range of habitats, from marshes and wetlands to forests and grasslands.

Taxonomy[edit]

The tribe Oryzomyini is part of the larger family Cricetidae, which encompasses a diverse array of rodents. Within the subfamily Sigmodontinae, Oryzomyini is one of several tribes, distinguished by its members' ecological adaptations and morphological characteristics.

Genera[edit]

The tribe Oryzomyini includes several genera, some of which are:

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Oryzomyini species are predominantly found in the Neotropics, ranging from the southern United States through Central America and into South America. They inhabit a variety of environments, including:

Wetlands and marshes
Tropical and subtropical forests
Grasslands

Morphology[edit]

Members of the Oryzomyini tribe typically have:

A robust body
Long tails
Adaptations for semi-aquatic lifestyles in some species, such as webbed feet

Behavior[edit]

Oryzomyini rodents are generally nocturnal and omnivorous. Their diet often includes seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. Some species, like the Marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), are known for their swimming abilities and are often found in wetland areas.

Conservation[edit]

The conservation status of Oryzomyini species varies. Some species are abundant and widespread, while others may be threatened by habitat loss and environmental changes.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Oryzomyini''' is a tribe of rodents within the family [[Cricetidae]], commonly referred to as rice rats. This diverse group is primarily found in the [[Neotropics]], encompassing a wide range of environments from tropical rainforests to arid regions. The tribe includes both semi-aquatic and fully terrestrial species, with some members adapted to specialized habitats. The diversity within Oryzomyini is notable, with species varying greatly in size, diet, and behavior.
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Oryzomyini
+| image = Oryzomys_palustris.jpg
+| image_caption = Marsh rice rat (''Oryzomys palustris'')
+| image_size = 250px
+| image_align = right
+}}
-== Taxonomy and Evolution ==
+== Overview ==
-The tribe Oryzomyini was first described in the early 20th century, with its members having a complex taxonomic history due to their high diversity and widespread distribution. Molecular and morphological studies have helped clarify the relationships within the tribe, although some aspects of its taxonomy remain unresolved.
+The '''Oryzomyini''' is a tribe of rodents within the family [[Cricetidae]], subfamily [[Sigmodontinae]]. This group is commonly referred to as the rice rats, and it includes a variety of species that are primarily found in the [[Neotropics]]. Members of this tribe are adapted to a range of habitats, from marshes and wetlands to forests and grasslands.
-Oryzomyini belongs to the subfamily [[Sigmodontinae]], which is part of the larger family Cricetidae, a group that includes other rodents such as hamsters, voles, and lemmings. The tribe is divided into several genera, with ''[[Oryzomys]]'' being one of the most well-known. The evolutionary history of Oryzomyini suggests that they originated in South America, with their diversification likely driven by the varied ecological niches available in the Neotropics.
+== Taxonomy ==
+The tribe Oryzomyini is part of the larger family [[Cricetidae]], which encompasses a diverse array of rodents. Within the subfamily [[Sigmodontinae]], Oryzomyini is one of several tribes, distinguished by its members' ecological adaptations and morphological characteristics.
-== Distribution and Habitat ==
+=== Genera ===
-Oryzomyini species are found throughout Central and South America, from Mexico to southern Argentina. Their habitats range from lowland tropical forests to high-altitude grasslands, demonstrating the tribe's adaptability to different environmental conditions. Some species are also found on islands, where they have often evolved unique characteristics due to isolation.
+The tribe Oryzomyini includes several genera, some of which are:
+* ''[[Oryzomys]]''
+* ''[[Nectomys]]''
+* ''[[Melanomys]]''
+* ''[[Sigmodontomys]]''
+== Habitat and Distribution ==
+Oryzomyini species are predominantly found in the [[Neotropics]], ranging from the southern United States through Central America and into South America. They inhabit a variety of environments, including:
+* Wetlands and marshes
+* Tropical and subtropical forests
+* Grasslands
 == Morphology ==
-Members of the Oryzomyini tribe vary significantly in size and appearance, from the small, delicate ''[[Oligoryzomys]]'' species to the larger, more robust ''[[Sigmodontomys]]''. Despite this diversity, they share common morphological traits such as fur-covered tails, rounded ears, and relatively long snouts. Their dental formula is also a distinguishing feature, which is typical of the Sigmodontinae subfamily.
+Members of the Oryzomyini tribe typically have:
+* A robust body
+* Long tails
+* Adaptations for semi-aquatic lifestyles in some species, such as webbed feet
-== Ecology and Behavior ==
+== Behavior ==
-Oryzomyini rodents are predominantly nocturnal and exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, including omnivory and specialized forms of herbivory. Some species are adept swimmers and live in close association with water bodies, feeding on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, while others are more terrestrial, feeding on seeds, fruits, and insects.
+Oryzomyini rodents are generally nocturnal and omnivorous. Their diet often includes seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. Some species, like the [[Marsh rice rat]] (''Oryzomys palustris''), are known for their swimming abilities and are often found in wetland areas.
-Reproductive strategies among the Oryzomyini vary, with some species capable of producing multiple litters per year. Their social structures range from solitary to complex communal living, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
+== Conservation ==
+The conservation status of Oryzomyini species varies. Some species are abundant and widespread, while others may be threatened by habitat loss and environmental changes.
-== Conservation Status ==
+== Related pages ==
-The conservation status of Oryzomyini species varies widely. While some are common and have adapted well to human-altered landscapes, others are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and introduced predators. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and the study of less-known species to better understand their ecology and threats.
-== See Also ==
 * [[Cricetidae]]
 * [[Sigmodontinae]]
-* [[Neotropical rodents]]
+* [[Rodentia]]
-* [[Conservation status]]
-== References ==
-<references/>
+[[Category:Cricetidae]]
+[[Category:Sigmodontinae]]
 [[Category:Rodents]]
-[[Category:Cricetidae]]
-[[Category:Oryzomyini]]
-{{Rodent-stub}}