To which species do rats belong? - briefly
Rats are classified in the genus Rattus, which is part of the family Muridae in the order Rodentia.
To which species do rats belong? - in detail
Rats are members of the order Rodentia, the largest mammalian order characterized by continuously growing incisors. Within this order they belong to the family Muridae, which includes the true mice, rats, gerbils, and related species. The family is divided into several subfamilies; rats are placed in the subfamily Murinae (the Old World rats and mice).
The genus Rattus contains the majority of species commonly referred to as rats. Recognized species include, but are not limited to:
- Rattus norvegicus – the brown or Norway rat, widespread in urban and agricultural environments.
- Rattus rattus – the black rat, historically associated with human habitation and disease transmission.
- Rattus argentiventer – the ricefield rat, native to Southeast Asia.
- Rattus exulans – the Pacific rat, found on many Pacific islands.
Taxonomic hierarchy for a typical rat species:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Muridae
- Subfamily: Murinae
- Genus: Rattus
- Species: specific epithet (e.g., norvegicus)
Molecular phylogenetics shows that the genus Rattus diverged from other Murinae lineages during the late Miocene, approximately 6–8 million years ago. Morphologically, rats share traits such as a robust skull, a short tail, and a dental formula of 1/1 incisors, 0/0 canines, 0/0 premolars, and 3/3 molars.
Ecologically, rats are omnivorous, adaptable to diverse habitats, and exhibit high reproductive rates, which contribute to their global distribution. Their classification under Muridae places them alongside a broad group of rodent species sharing similar genetic and anatomical characteristics.