What does a rat look like – are there pictures? - briefly
A rat is a medium‑sized rodent with a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a long naked tail, and coarse fur that varies from brown to black. Photographs and illustrations are readily available on scientific databases and reputable wildlife websites.
What does a rat look like – are there pictures? - in detail
Rats are medium‑sized rodents with a compact, elongated body covered in dense fur that ranges from brown‑gray to black, depending on species and environment. The head is broad with a blunt nose, small rounded ears positioned near the top, and dark, prominent eyes that provide keen nocturnal vision. A characteristic feature is the long, hairless tail, typically equal to or slightly shorter than the body length, tapering to a point and lacking any visible scales. The forepaws possess dexterous digits equipped with sharp claws, enabling manipulation of food and objects, while the hind limbs are powerful, supporting swift, agile movement. Teeth are ever‑growing incisors that protrude forward, with a distinctive orange‑yellow enamel that contrasts with the white dentin.
Key physical traits can be summarized:
- Body length: 15–25 cm (excluding tail)
- Tail length: 15–30 cm, naked, tapered
- Weight: 150–500 g, varies by species
- Fur color: brown, gray, black, or white (albino variants)
- Ears: 2–3 cm, rounded, hairless
- Eyes: small, dark, adapted to low light
- Incisors: chisel‑shaped, continuously growing
Photographic and illustrative resources are available through several reputable channels. Scientific databases such as the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) host high‑resolution images accompanying species descriptions. Museum collections, notably those of the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian Institution, provide digitized photographs of preserved specimens and anatomical diagrams. Wildlife photography platforms, including National Geographic and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) image archives, feature rats in natural habitats, illustrating behavior and coloration. Open‑access image repositories like Wikimedia Commons and the Biodiversity Heritage Library offer freely usable pictures, often accompanied by detailed captions and taxonomic references.