How do a mole and a rat look? - briefly
A mole has a compact, cylindrical body covered in dense, velvety fur, tiny eyes, a pointed snout, and powerful forelimbs with large claws for digging; its tail is short and hairless. A rat features a slender, furred body, relatively large ears, a pointed nose, and a long, hairless tail, with dexterous forepaws but no specialized digging adaptations.
How do a mole and a rat look? - in detail
Moles are small, cylindrical mammals measuring 4–6 cm in length, with a compact body covered by dense, velvety fur that ranges from dark brown to black. Their limbs are short and powerful, ending in broad, clawed forefeet adapted for digging; the claws are visible as pale, curved extensions. Eyes are minute, covered by skin, rendering them effectively blind. Ears are reduced to small openings flush with the skull, lacking external pinnae. The tail is short, tapering, and often concealed beneath the fur. Overall, the animal presents a streamlined, shovel‑shaped profile optimized for subterranean movement.
Rats are larger rodents, typically 20–25 cm long, not including a tail that adds another 15–20 cm. Their coat is coarse, ranging from light brown to gray, with a distinct dorsal stripe in some species. The head is elongated, featuring prominent, rounded ears that stand upright and a pair of sharp incisors visible when the mouth is open. Eyes are relatively large, providing good visual acuity. Limbs are proportionally longer than those of moles, ending in five-toed paws with small, non‑retractable claws suitable for climbing and gnawing. The tail is naked, scaly, and flexible, often used for balance.
Key visual differences:
- Size: mole ≈ 5 cm; rat ≈ 20 cm (body only).
- Fur texture: velvety vs. coarse.
- Limb structure: short, digging forefeet vs. longer, versatile paws.
- Eyes: vestigial, covered vs. prominent, functional.
- Ears: recessed openings vs. prominent, mobile pinnae.
- Tail: short, hidden vs. long, exposed.
These characteristics define the distinct outward appearances of each animal.