Which of these animals does not store food for winter: the mouse or the field mouse? - briefly
The mouse does not store food for winter, whereas the field mouse does.
Which of these animals does not store food for winter: the mouse or the field mouse? - in detail
The common house mouse (Mus musculus) does not engage in food caching for the cold season. It lives in human‑occupied buildings where food is available continuously, so it relies on immediate sources rather than stored reserves. Its metabolism remains active throughout winter, and it does not construct underground chambers for hoarding.
The field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) exhibits seasonal hoarding behavior. In late summer and autumn it gathers seeds, nuts, and grains, transporting them to underground burrows or concealed nests. These caches sustain the animal during periods when surface food is scarce. The species shows physiological adaptations such as increased body fat and reduced activity to conserve energy while the stored provisions are consumed.
Key distinctions:
- Habitat: house mouse – indoor, constant food supply; field mouse – outdoor, variable availability.
- Behavior: house mouse – no deliberate storage; field mouse – systematic collection and burial of food.
- Winter survival: house mouse – depends on human provision; field mouse – relies on its caches and metabolic adjustments.
Consequently, the mouse species that does not store provisions for winter is the house mouse, whereas the field mouse does.