What does a mouse look like? - briefly
A mouse is a small rodent with a compact, fur‑covered body, rounded ears, a pointed snout, and a long, hairless tail; its coat typically varies from gray or brown to white. Its eyes are proportionally large and its whiskers are long, serving as primary tactile sensors.
What does a mouse look like? - in detail
A mouse is a small rodent measuring 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in body length, with a tail of comparable size. The head is rounded, featuring a pointed snout and large, dark eyes adapted for low‑light vision. Prominent, whisker‑laden vibrissae extend from the muzzle, serving as tactile sensors.
The ears are thin, hairless, and proportionally large, positioned near the top of the skull. Fur covers the body, typically soft and dense, ranging in color from gray, brown, or black to white in laboratory strains. Seasonal molts may produce a slightly thicker undercoat in colder climates.
Limbs are short and sturdy. Forepaws possess dexterous digits equipped with tiny, curved claws, enabling precise manipulation of food and nesting material. Hind feet are longer, providing powerful leverage for rapid, zigzag locomotion; the plantar surface bears a set of small pads that increase traction.
The tail is naked, scaly, and flexible, acting as a balance aid during climbing and as a thermoregulatory organ. Musculature throughout the body is lean, supporting bursts of speed up to 8 mph (13 km/h) when evading predators.
Internally, the skull encloses a brain proportionally large for a mammal of this size, facilitating complex sensory processing. The respiratory and circulatory systems are adapted for high metabolic rates, reflected in a rapid heart rate of 300–800 beats per minute.
Overall, the mouse’s compact size, keen sensory apparatus, and agile morphology enable survival in diverse habitats, from fields to urban interiors.