What biological species does a mouse represent? - briefly
The animal commonly referred to as a mouse is the species Mus musculus, classified within the order Rodentia. It is widely used as a model organism in biological research.
What biological species does a mouse represent? - in detail
The common house mouse belongs to the species Mus musculus, a member of the family Muridae within the order Rodentia. It is a small mammal characterized by a pointed snout, rounded ears, and a tail roughly equal in length to its body. Adult individuals typically weigh 15–30 g and measure 7–10 cm in head‑body length.
Taxonomic hierarchy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Muridae
- Genus: Mus
- Species: M. musculus
Two principal subspecies are recognized:
- M. m. domesticus – the laboratory and pet mouse, adapted to human environments.
- M. m. musculus – the wild European mouse, inhabiting fields and forests.
Genomic features:
- Diploid chromosome number: 40.
- Genome size: ~2.7 Gb, fully sequenced and annotated.
- High degree of genetic similarity to humans (~85 % of protein‑coding genes have orthologs).
Physiological traits relevant to research:
- Rapid reproductive cycle (≈3 weeks gestation, litters of 5–8).
- Well‑characterized immune system, endocrine pathways, and behavior.
Ecological role:
- Omnivorous diet includes seeds, insects, and waste.
- Serves as prey for birds of prey, snakes, and carnivorous mammals.
- Contributes to seed dispersal and soil aeration through burrowing.
In summary, the mouse represents the species Mus musculus, a globally distributed rodent with distinct subspecies, a fully sequenced genome, and extensive use in scientific studies due to its biological and genetic attributes.