"Class" - what is it, definition of the term
"Class" is a blueprint that specifies a collection of data elements and the operations that can be performed on them; it defines the structure and behavior that instances share, encapsulates state and functionality within a single namespace, and provides the foundation for inheritance, enabling more specialized constructs to extend or modify the original definition.
Detailed information
Rats and mice belong to the mammalian taxonomic rank that unites warm‑blooded vertebrates possessing hair, three middle ear bones, and mammary glands. This rank is characterized by internal fertilization, a neocortex in the brain, and a diaphragm that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Key attributes of this group include:
- Hair or fur covering the body, providing insulation and sensory input.
- Mammary glands that produce milk for offspring nourishment.
- Three ossicles in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) that enhance sound transmission.
- Four‑chambered heart supporting efficient circulation.
Within this rank, the order Rodentia encompasses rats and mice. Shared rodent traits are:
- Continuously growing incisors that require gnawing to maintain length.
- A single pair of large cheek teeth (molars) adapted for grinding plant material.
- Highly developed olfactory and auditory systems for environmental detection.
Species‑specific details:
- Rats (genus Rattus) exhibit larger body size, robust skulls, and a broader diet that includes grains, fruits, and carrion. Their social structures often involve hierarchical colonies with defined burrow networks.
- Mice (genus Mus) are smaller, display higher reproductive rates, and prefer seeds and insects. They commonly inhabit human dwellings, where they exploit stored food and material.
Physiological adaptations common to both include a high metabolic rate, rapid growth cycles, and efficient renal concentration mechanisms that enable survival in arid environments. Their reproductive strategies feature short gestation periods, large litters, and early sexual maturity, facilitating quick population expansion under favorable conditions.