What is the difference between mice and rats? Main features

For any philistine, rodents such as mice and rats look almost the same. There are also people who have the opinion that mice are young individuals of rats, but this is completely untrue. In this material, we will try to disclose how mice differ from rats, what are the main differences between them, and also the behavioral features of these animals that are in the wild by rodent pests.

Kinds of animals and their features

Both species, both rats and mice, are related to rodents. One of the main differences is that animals can not be crossed among themselves (the rat has 22 chromosomes, and the mouse - only 20). Rats belong to the mammalian class of rodents (suborder is a mouse). It is this animal that is considered one of the most ancient and widespread on Earth.

What is the difference between mice and rats? Of course, in size: rats are several orders of magnitude larger and have a greater mass. Typically, an adult mouse reaches several inches in length (without taking into account the tail), but rats can grow to quite impressive sizes (up to one foot in length). The tail of the black rat is covered with thick and stiff hair, and its length is equal to or greater than the length of the trunk (there are also short-tailed species). But the tails of many species are covered with rare villi and flakes of annular shape.

What is the difference between mice and rats: the main signs

The body of the mouse is small and round, with a short rounded muzzle and large bead-eyes. The organs of hearing in mice also have considerable dimensions in comparison with the head, in contrast to the rat are more thin and rounded. The characteristic external difference of the rat is a more pointed form of the muzzle and oblong-pointed ears. The rat tail is much thicker and longer than the mouse tail. For those who want to compare visually, what a mouse differs from a rat, photos will be an excellent assistant in this matter.

The mouse wool is silky and soft, a particularly striking example of difference is the fur of a mature male rat, more like a coarse pile. Of course, most of the townsfolk are unlikely to ever want to deliberately touch these animals in order to make sure of the difference, but that's for those who kept such pets, the difference is obvious.

The jaws of rats have two pairs of long enough incisors. The basic molars are designed to thoroughly grind food, so they grow in dense rows. Despite the fact that rats are considered predators, they do not have inherent fangs. The incisors of animals constantly need stitching, which is explained by their constant growth. Teeth of rats are quite strong, the animal with their help can easily gnaw such materials as concrete, brick, various metal alloys.

Another extremely interesting fact of how mice differ from rats is the following: rats have more nipples. In mice there are 10, in rats - two more. But despite this difference, the animals have the same average litter, which is about 8-9 cubs.

Reasons for incompatibility

As mentioned above, these rodents do not interbreed with one another. In addition, these animals are natural natural enemies. It's no secret that the rat destroys the caught prey (mouse), but can eat it if there is no danger. If the adult rat reaches the place that the mouse is inhabiting, then most likely the latter will be killed or expelled in a relatively short time period. Note that the very presence of rats in the place where there is a cluster of mice leads to their great anxiety.

This is because, according to some information, mice can catch the smell of rats, which for them is the smell of danger. It is for this reason that pets of different species should not be in the same cage. Therefore, it is important to know how mice differ from rats, the symptoms are extremely significant. After all, if you decide to have such pets, it is better to keep them away from each other, in separate cages, placed in different rooms.

Features of food

Both mice and rats are omnivores, which means that they can eat almost everything. In addition, I would like to draw attention to the fact that these two species can also exhibit predator-specific instincts, which are more developed in rats than in mice. Wild rats, like wolves, hunt, straying into flocks, first targeted prey is attacked and subsequently killed. Therefore, if we talk about how mice differ from rats, differences in diet will be one of the determining factors.

Mice, unlike rats, rarely hunt animals or insects that exceed them in their size. In addition, mice do not hunt in packs, like rats. They do it one by one. In fact, most mice are vegetarians, although if they are offered a piece of meat, they are unlikely to refuse it.

Intelligence of rats and mice: key differences

Rats have a more developed intelligence than mice (this also applies to domesticated rats and mice). But this does not mean that the mouse is a bad pet. Decorative rats are very intelligent animals, quickly reaching for contact, and they quickly fasten to their owner. They give in to the training and can express their disposition and love. In addition, the decorative domesticated rat knows and responds to his name when she is called to her, especially if the owner offers some kind of delicacy or fun fun.

In fact, the intelligence of a domestic rat can be compared to the intellectual abilities of other domestic pets (cats and dogs). Rats are communicative animals, respond well to people, as evidenced by the love of games. According to many owners of domestic rodents, the latter can even invent their entertainment and games, subsequently willingly showing them to their owners, inviting them to join in the fun.

Who is cleverer - rats or mice?

Note that in the conditions of natural living, rats are smarter than their smaller counterparts - mice. For example, a wild rat is not easy to catch, this is due to its caution. She will never eat an unfamiliar food found in the new territory she just came to. That is, these animals are much more difficult to trap or poison.

Conclusion

As can be seen from the presented material, there are a considerable number of significant differences between rodents. Of course, there are other points that clarify the difference between mice and rats, the above description nevertheless we tried to sound the most basic ones.

Note that none of the listed animals is better or worse than the other, each species is individual and has its own needs and habitats. We hope that this article helped you understand how mice differ from rats, what are the main differences between these two species, which are so similar in appearance. Now, if you see an animal, you no longer need to look for an answer to the question of who it is - a mouse or a rat, you will already know it.