What do real mice look like? - briefly
Real mice are small rodents, usually 2–4 inches in body length, with fine fur ranging from gray to brown, a pointed snout, prominent ears, and a long, hairless tail.
What do real mice look like? - in detail
The physical characteristics of actual mice are defined by several distinct features. Adult house mice (Mus musculus) typically measure 6–10 cm in head‑body length, with a tail of comparable length. Body weight ranges from 12 to 30 g, depending on age, sex, and nutrition.
- Fur: short, dense, and varies in color from light gray or brown to almost black; the ventral side is usually lighter, often white or pale gray. Some strains display a mottled pattern.
- Head: rounded with a pointed snout; ears are large relative to the head, thin, and hairless, providing acute hearing.
- Eyes: small, dark, and positioned laterally, granting a wide field of vision but limited depth perception.
- Limbs: four slender legs ending in five small, clawed toes on each foot; forelimbs are adapted for climbing and manipulating objects.
- Tail: hairless, scaly, and flexible; serves for balance, thermoregulation, and communication via subtle movements.
- Whiskers (vibrissae): long, stiff tactile hairs emerging from the snout and cheeks, essential for spatial orientation in dark environments.
Skeletal structure is lightweight yet robust, enabling rapid, agile movement. Muscle composition favors quick bursts of speed and sustained crawling. Skin is thin, permitting efficient heat exchange, while the respiratory system supports high metabolic rates necessary for active foraging.