How does a rat look from behind?

How does a rat look from behind? - briefly

From the rear, a rat shows a long, hairless tail that extends beyond a compact, rounded hindquarters and prominent hind limbs. The dorsal fur is dense and brown, while the tail surface is pale and smooth.

How does a rat look from behind? - in detail

The posterior view of a rat reveals a compact, fur‑covered silhouette ending in a long, tapering tail. The tail, typically naked or sparsely haired, measures roughly 15–20 cm in a 20‑cm body, displaying a uniform pinkish‑gray color and a slightly ridged surface that aids balance.

The hindquarters consist of muscular thighs and well‑defined hamstring groups, covered by dense, coarse fur that may vary from brown to black depending on the strain. The hind paws are equipped with five toes, each ending in a small, curved claw for gripping surfaces. The foot pads are pinkish and lack fur, providing tactile feedback.

Below the hind limbs, the ventral region includes the anal opening and, in males, the scrotum containing paired testes covered by thin skin. In females, the genital papilla is visible as a small, fleshy protrusion. The perineal area is typically lighter in color than the surrounding fur, allowing easy identification.

Key external features:

  • Tail: naked, cylindrical, tapering, 15–20 cm long, pinkish‑gray.
  • Hind limbs: muscular thighs, five‑toed paws, curved claws, pink pads.
  • Fur: dense, coarse, color ranging from brown to black, covering hindquarters.
  • Perineal region: lighter‑colored skin, anal opening, sex‑specific genital structures.

The skeletal framework includes the pelvis, sacrum, and caudal vertebrae, providing structural support for locomotion and tail movement. Musculature is arranged to enable rapid propulsion and agile climbing, characteristic of the species.