What is a mouse? - briefly
A mouse is a diminutive mammalian rodent belonging to the family Muridae, characterized by a pointed snout, large ears, and a long, hair‑covered tail. It inhabits diverse environments worldwide, feeds on seeds and insects, and serves as a primary model organism in scientific research.
What is a mouse? - in detail
A mouse is a small mammalian rodent belonging to the family Muridae, genus Mus (commonly Mus musculus). It is characterized by a pointed snout, large rounded ears, a naked tail, and a body length of 6–10 cm, with a weight ranging from 10 to 30 g. The species exhibits a high degree of genetic uniformity, making it a model organism in biomedical research.
Key physical traits:
- Soft fur, typically brown or gray.
- Sharp incisors that grow continuously and require gnawing.
- Highly developed whiskers for tactile sensing.
- Acute hearing and olfactory systems.
Behavioral patterns include nocturnal activity, omnivorous feeding, and complex social structures. Diet consists of seeds, grains, insects, and occasional plant material. Mice construct burrows or nest in concealed spaces, using shredded vegetation or fabric for insulation.
Reproduction is prolific: a female can produce 5–10 litters per year, each containing 4–8 offspring. Gestation lasts about 19–21 days, and weaning occurs at three weeks. Sexual maturity is reached at six weeks, allowing rapid population growth under favorable conditions.
Geographic distribution spans all continents except Antarctica, occupying habitats such as fields, forests, urban areas, and agricultural storage facilities. Adaptability to human environments leads to frequent encounters in homes and businesses, where they may cause structural damage and contaminate food supplies.
In scientific contexts, the mouse’s genome has been fully sequenced, and numerous inbred strains exist, providing controlled variables for genetics, pharmacology, and disease modeling. Their short lifespan and reproductive cycle enable multi-generational studies within a few years.
Overall, the mouse combines distinctive morphological features, versatile ecological habits, and a valuable role in research, making it a subject of extensive biological and practical interest.