To which group do mice and rats belong? - briefly
Mice and rats are members of the order Rodentia, specifically classified within the family Muridae.
To which group do mice and rats belong? - in detail
Mice and rats are members of the order Rodentia, the largest mammalian order characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each jaw. Within Rodentia they belong to the family Muridae, which is the most diverse rodent family and includes the subfamily Murinae (the “true” mice and rats).
Key taxonomic levels for these animals are:
- Class: Mammalia – warm‑blooded vertebrates with hair and mammary glands.
- Order: Rodentia – distinguished by gnawing teeth that never stop growing.
- Family: Muridae – contains over 700 species, ranging from small field mice to large rats.
- Genus: Mus for the common house mouse, Rattus for the typical brown or black rat.
Morphologically, rodents possess a robust skull, strong jaw muscles, and a dental formula that includes incisors, premolars, and molars but lacks canines. Their incisors are reinforced with enamel on the outer surface and dentine on the inner surface, creating a self‑sharpening edge as they gnaw.
Ecologically, both groups are highly adaptable omnivores, capable of thriving in diverse habitats—from agricultural fields and urban sewers to forest floors. Their rapid reproductive cycles and high fecundity contribute to their success as some of the most widespread mammals on the planet.
In summary, mice and rats are classified as murid rodents, situated within the family Muridae of the order Rodentia, and share distinctive dental, skeletal, and ecological traits that define their grouping.