How does a mouse or rat look? - briefly
Mice and rats are small, fur‑covered rodents with pointed snouts, prominent whiskers, and naked, scaly tails; mice usually have a body length of 6–10 cm, while rats range from 20–30 cm. Their ears are relatively large and rounded, and both species possess sharp incisors adapted for gnawing.
How does a mouse or rat look? - in detail
Mice and rats share a rodent body plan but differ in several visible characteristics. The overall shape is elongated, with a compact torso, short limbs, and a long, hair‑less tail that tapers toward the tip.
The head is proportionally large relative to the body. Eyes are relatively small, dark, and positioned on the sides, providing a wide field of view. Prominent, rounded ears sit high on the skull; in mice, ears are noticeably larger than in rats. Long, stiff whiskers (vibrissae) extend from the snout, serving as tactile sensors.
Fur covers the dorsal and ventral surfaces. Typical coloration includes:
- Dorsal coat: brown, gray, or black, often with a slightly darker stripe along the spine.
- Ventral coat: lighter, ranging from creamy white to pale gray.
- Tail: bare, pink or dark‑pigmented, lacking fur.
Limbs are short but agile. Each fore‑ and hind‑foot bears five toes, equipped with sharp, curved claws for climbing and digging. The hind feet are larger, providing powerful propulsion for jumping and sprinting.
Dental structure is distinctive: a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each jaw, enamel‑clad and sharply angled forward, enabling gnawing of hard materials.
Size distinguishes the two species. Mice typically measure 6–10 cm in body length, with tails of similar length, and weigh 15–30 g. Rats are larger, with body lengths of 18–25 cm, tails of comparable length, and weights ranging from 150 to 300 g.
These physical traits collectively define the external appearance of small rodents commonly referred to as mice and rats.