What does a rat look like? - briefly
Rats are medium‑sized rodents with a long, hairless, scaly tail, a pointed snout, prominent whiskers, and coarse fur ranging from brown to gray; their front incisors are large, curved, and continuously growing. They typically measure 20–30 cm in body length, with the tail adding a comparable length.
What does a rat look like? - in detail
Rats are medium‑sized rodents with a compact, robust body. Adult specimens typically measure 20–25 cm in head‑body length, with a tail of comparable length, giving a total length of 40–50 cm. Body mass ranges from 150 g to 300 g, depending on species and age.
The fur covers most of the body, varying from brown, gray, black to white. Individual hairs are coarse and lie flat against the skin, providing a sleek appearance. The dorsal coat is usually darker than the ventral side, which may be lighter or pinkish.
Key facial features include:
- Large, rounded ears positioned low on the skull, each covered by a thin membrane.
- Prominent, dark eyes with a reflective tapetum, granting good night vision.
- Long, whisker clusters (vibrissae) extending from the snout, aiding tactile navigation.
- A blunt, slightly pointed nose with a moist, black rhinarium.
Limbs consist of short forearms and longer hind limbs, each ending in five clawed digits. The paws possess dense pads that facilitate climbing and gripping. The tail is hairless, cylindrical, and covered with a thin layer of scales, providing balance and thermoregulation.
Skeletal structure features a flexible spine, allowing rapid, agile movement. The skull is elongated, with strong jaw muscles attached to a robust mandible, enabling the animal to gnaw a variety of materials. Teeth are ever‑growing incisors, sharp and orange‑colored due to continuous enamel deposition.