Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size. Usually the common name of a large muroid rodent will include the word "rat", while a smaller muroid's name will include "mouse". The common …

Nov 19, 2025 · Rat, the term generally and indiscriminately applied to numerous members of several rodent families having bodies longer than about 12 cm, or 5 inches. (Smaller thin-tailed rodents are …

Dec 2, 2025 · There are over 50 known species of rats found around the world but the 2 species of “true” rats most common to California are the Norway Rat and the Roof Rat.

Some rodents that we call “rats” are not true members of Rattus, including the pack rat, naked mole rat, and giant pouched rat.

May 27, 2024 · A rat uses its whiskers to safely navigate its way through dark tunnels and narrow spaces. Their whiskers are doubly important because these rodents are active during the night.

The meaning of RAT is any of numerous rodents (Rattus and related genera) differing from the related mice especially by considerably larger size. How to use rat in a sentence.

Rats belong to the family Muridae and the genus Rattus, which includes well-known species like the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). With their strong teeth, sharp senses, …

The two most widespread species are the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus), both notorious for their intelligence, reproductive speed, and complex relationship with people.

Apr 27, 2023 · With nearly 60 species of rat discovered so far, these rodents come in all sizes. They are typically 5 inches (12 centimeters), or longer, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Rat populations can sometimes reach epidemic proportions due to their ability to breed prolifically. However where natural predators still exist, they form an important part of the food chain. They are …