What is the difference between rats and mice?
rats and mice have many differences and similarities. It is difficult to determine the specific areas of the difference and in common, as there are a number of types of rats and mice. Usually, these two species are compared by evaluating the differences between domestic mice ( Musculus ) and Norwegian or black rats ( rattus norvegicus and rattus ). They can also be called PET rats and mouse or domesticated versions of each species.
mice and rats cannot mix even if they are relatives. Evolutionary biologists believe that both species share their predecessors, much of the same way as tigers and cheetahs are probably connected. Each animal type has evolved differently and selected certain properties that seem to be most helpful in ensuring survival. Rats are much larger. The maturity weighs about 12.35-22.93 ounces (350-650 g) and have about 9-11 inches (22,86-27,94 cm). They have long tails that have an average length of 8 inches (20.32 cm). Their tails are strong and heavy.
On the contrary, one tenth of the weight of rats can be and weighs approximately 1-1.76 ounces (30-50 grams). Mice are shorter, about half the size of rats. They have an average body length of about 3-4 inches (7.62-10.16 cm) and their tails can be a little more even more balanced with their bodies and measure about 3-4 inches. The tails of the mouse are very thin and sometimes barely perceptible compared to a much wider and longer tail.
At least in comparison of rats and mice in the above species, the ears of rats tend to be smaller in proportion to their heads and may look larger, with blunt features than their distant relatives. Mice generally have a fine feature and have more pointed faces that do rats. In terms of chromosomal point of view, the differences become even more pronounced.
Although there is a relationship between rats and mice, their separate species differ at microscopic levels. Rats have a higher number of chromosome pairs, 22, compared towith 20 pairs of mice. When they are held together as pets, they can cause problems with each other. Rats can kill mice and eat mice, most often in an unhappy environment and the presence of rats in the house can seriously disrupt the mouse. They may behave less or be panicked. If you want both rats and mice as pets, you should consider them to keep them in separate rooms.
If you are considering one animal like a pet, rats are a better choice. They are usually more intelligent and better relate to people than mice. There are exceptions and there are some amazing pets. In general, however, rats proved to be a better and easier trained pet.
differs between rats and mouse may change depending on different species. Both have a relatively short life in the wild, with about 70% dying before they will be a year. In captivity, life can be similar. Mice can live longer, about five years, but many die at the age of two to three years. Rats canto take about three or four years in captivity. The short life of these animals does not have to make them ideal pets for small children.