Rattus

Rattus is a genus of muroid rodents, all typically called rats. However, the term rat can also be applied more generally to mean any of the members of several other rodent families. The genus Rattus proper contains 64 extant species. A subgeneric breakdown of the species has been proposed, but does not include all species.

Taxonomy and naming

The name Rattus is Latin for "rat". The genus was first described by the British zoologist John Edward Gray in 1821. The members of this genus are known as the true rats or Old World rats.

Description

Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size. Generally, when someone discovers a large muroid rodent, its common name includes the term rat, while if it is smaller, the name includes the mouse. The muroid family is broad and complex, and the common terms rat and mouse are not taxonomically specific.

Distribution and habitat

Rats are found throughout the world in almost every type of habitat. They are often associated with human habitations and are considered a pest in many parts of the world.

Behavior

Rats are generally nocturnal animals that are good swimmers, both on the surface and underwater, but unlike the related ship rat, they are poor climbers.

See also

• Brown rat
• Black rat
• Ship rat
• List of mammals of Korea

References

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External links

• BBC Nature Wildlife - Rats
• Animal Diversity Web - Rattus

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