Who has more ears, a rat or a mouse? - briefly
Both rodents possess two ears each. Consequently, neither species has more ears than the other.
Who has more ears, a rat or a mouse? - in detail
Rats and mice each possess a pair of external ears, so the total number of ears is identical. Both species have two auricles that function as sound‑collecting structures.
The distinction lies in ear morphology. Rats typically have larger, more robust pinnae, ranging from 12 to 15 mm in length, which provide a broader surface area for sound capture. Mice have smaller pinnae, usually 8 to 10 mm, and a more rounded shape. The internal ear anatomy—cochlea length, auditory bullae size, and hair cell density—differs as well, influencing hearing sensitivity and frequency range.
Key comparative points:
- External ear size: rat > mouse.
- Pinna shape: rat – elongated; mouse – compact.
- Auditory bullae volume: rat larger, contributing to lower‑frequency detection.
- Frequency range: mouse can perceive higher frequencies (up to 100 kHz) than rat (up to 80 kHz).
Thus, while the numerical count of ears is the same, the structural and functional characteristics of the ears vary significantly between the two rodents.