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What's the difference between a rat and a mouse? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
“Rat” and “mouse” are the everyday terms used to describe certain types of rodents. While they look similar in lots of ways, rats and mice are different animals who are not part of the same species.
If you were to ever see an adult rat and an adult mouse next to each other, you’d probably notice right away that their biggest outward difference is size. The body of a rat is about 5-7 inches bigger than the body of a mouse. Their tails are also longer and their feet are bigger.
However, even though they are different, rats and mice have lots of similar qualities and habits. For example, certain species of both rats and mice are commonly known to live in urban places like cities, where they often eat human foods. Both are also known as able to squeeze into small places and have similar features like whiskers, muzzles, and cup-like ears.
Rodents that rule!
There are lots of types of rodents you’re probably familiar with! Do you know anyone with a pet hamster, or maybe a gerbil or guinea pig? These little creatures are all types of rodents too, just like mice and rats!
What are some things that all of these rodents have in common with each other? Do they look similar? Have similar habits? Eat similar foods?
Are there any animals that aren’t rodents which you think are also a little bit similar? If so, which animals, and why??
If you were to ever see an adult rat and an adult mouse next to each other, you’d probably notice right away that their biggest outward difference is size. The body of a rat is about 5-7 inches bigger than the body of a mouse. Their tails are also longer and their feet are bigger.
However, even though they are different, rats and mice have lots of similar qualities and habits. For example, certain species of both rats and mice are commonly known to live in urban places like cities, where they often eat human foods. Both are also known as able to squeeze into small places and have similar features like whiskers, muzzles, and cup-like ears.
Rodents that rule!
There are lots of types of rodents you’re probably familiar with! Do you know anyone with a pet hamster, or maybe a gerbil or guinea pig? These little creatures are all types of rodents too, just like mice and rats!
What are some things that all of these rodents have in common with each other? Do they look similar? Have similar habits? Eat similar foods?
Are there any animals that aren’t rodents which you think are also a little bit similar? If so, which animals, and why??
