Rodents
Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that belong to the order Rodentia. They are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws, which must be kept short by gnawing. This group includes animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, and capybaras.
Characteristics of Rodents
- Single pair of continuously growing incisors
- Well-developed jaw muscles for gnawing
- Mostly herbivorous, but some are omnivorous
- Adapted to various habitats, including terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic
Ecological and Economic Importance
Rodents play a key role in various ecosystems as seed dispersers, soil aerators, and food sources for predators. However, they can also be agricultural pests and vectors of diseases such as hantavirus and Lyme disease.
Common Rodent Species
- House mouse (Mus musculus)
- Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus)
- Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
- Beaver (Castor canadensis)
- Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
Study Tips
To effectively study rodents, consider the following tips:
- Understand the anatomy and adaptations of rodent incisors for gnawing.
- Learn about the diverse habitats and lifestyles of different rodent species.
- Explore the ecological roles and impacts of rodents in various ecosystems.
- Study common rodent species, their behaviors, and interactions with humans.
[Rodents] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Biology Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Ecology I
Worksheet/Answer key
Ecology I 
Worksheet/Answer key
Ecology I Worksheet/Answer key
Ecology I Worksheet/Answer key
Ecology I Vocabulary/Answer key
Ecology I Vocabulary/Answer key
Ecology I
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
LIFE SCIENCE (NGSS)
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.