What is the animal called that looks like a rat? - briefly
The animal that resembles a rat is commonly called a mouse. Mice belong to the family Muridae and share many physical characteristics with rats.
What is the animal called that looks like a rat? - in detail
The animal that most closely resembles a rat is the common house mouse (Mus musculus).
It belongs to the order Rodentia, family Muridae, and is a small, nocturnal mammal. Adult mice measure 6–10 cm in body length, with a proportionally long tail that can equal or exceed the body length. Their fur is typically gray‑brown, and they possess a pointed snout, large ears, and sharp incisors that continuously grow.
Key characteristics distinguishing it from a true rat include:
- Size: mice are considerably smaller; rats generally exceed 20 cm in body length.
- Tail: mouse tails are hairless and slender, while rat tails are thicker and coarser.
- Head shape: mice have a more triangular skull, whereas rats have a blunter, heavier skull.
- Behavior: mice are agile climbers and often inhabit higher levels of structures; rats prefer ground‑level burrows and sewers.
Habitat ranges from human dwellings to fields and forests worldwide. Diet consists of grains, seeds, insects, and occasional scraps, reflecting omnivorous adaptability. Reproduction is rapid: a female can produce up to ten litters per year, each containing 5–8 offspring, leading to swift population growth under favorable conditions.
Other rodents that may be confused with rats include voles, gerbils, and shrews, but they differ in taxonomy, dental formula, and ecological niche. For precise identification, consider size, tail morphology, and skull structure.