How do rats look? - briefly
Rats are medium‑sized rodents with a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a long hairless tail about the same length as their body, and fur that varies from brown to black with a lighter underside. Their large dark eyes and prominent whiskers help them navigate in low‑light conditions.
How do rats look? - in detail
Rats are medium‑sized rodents with a compact, streamlined body. Adult individuals typically measure 20–25 cm in head‑body length, with an additional tail length of 15–30 cm that is proportionally long and covered in fine scales rather than fur. The overall weight ranges from 150 g to 350 g, depending on species and age.
The head is triangular, featuring a blunt muzzle and prominent, ever‑growing incisors that extend forward beyond the tongue. Eyes are small, dark, and positioned laterally, providing a wide field of vision but limited depth perception. Ears are large, thin‑skinned, and highly vascularized, allowing efficient thermoregulation.
Fur is dense, short, and varies in coloration across species and individuals. Common hues include:
- Dark brown to black on the dorsal side
- Lighter gray, brown, or reddish tones on the ventral side
- Occasionally albino or piebald patterns in laboratory strains
Whiskers (vibrissae) are long, stiff, and densely arranged around the snout, serving as tactile sensors for navigation in confined spaces. The limbs are short but powerful, ending in five clawed digits on each foot; hind limbs are slightly longer, facilitating agile jumping and climbing.
The tail is hairless, flexible, and covered with a series of overlapping scales that aid in balance and grip. It lacks a tuft at the tip, distinguishing rats from many other rodent species. Overall, the morphology reflects adaptations for nocturnal foraging, burrowing, and rapid movement through complex environments.