Rodents
Rodents (/'rəʊdənts/)
Rodents (/'rəʊdənts/) are a group of mammals characterized by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. The term "rodent" is derived from the Latin word rodere, meaning "to gnaw".
Etymology
The term "rodent" comes from the Latin rodere, which means "to gnaw". This is in reference to the characteristic feature of rodents, their continuously growing incisors.
Classification
Rodents belong to the order Rodentia, which is the largest order of mammals, comprising about 40% of mammalian species. Rodentia is further divided into several families, including Muridae (mice and rats), Sciuridae (squirrels), and Cricetidae (hamsters and voles), among others.
Characteristics
Rodents are characterized by their continuously growing incisors, which they must keep short by gnawing. They have a robust and compact body, and most species have short limbs and a long tail, although there are exceptions.
Behavior
Rodents are typically small animals with robust bodies, short limbs, and long tails. They use their sharp incisors to gnaw food, excavate burrows, and defend themselves. Most rodents are small animals with bodies adapted for gnawing, with robust bodies, short limbs, and long tails.
Health Implications
Rodents can carry a range of diseases that can be harmful to humans, including Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Plague. It is therefore important to control rodent populations in areas where humans live and work.
Related Terms
- Rodentia: The order to which rodents belong.
- Muridae: The family of rodents that includes mice and rats.
- Sciuridae: The family of rodents that includes squirrels.
- Cricetidae: The family of rodents that includes hamsters and voles.
- Hantavirus: A disease that can be transmitted by rodents.
- Leptospirosis: A disease that can be transmitted by rodents.
- Plague: A disease that can be transmitted by rodents.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rodents
- Wikipedia's article - Rodents
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