The similarity and difference between a rat and an adult and small mouse
Many people know what an adult rat or mouse looks like. But how to distinguish a small rat from a mouse, because the kids are very similar. Rats and mice are different types of rodents, and a closer look reveals many differences.
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Differences between baby rats and mice
The most difficult thing to distinguish between small rodents, they are visually more similar. There are a number of visual signs:
- Mice have a thin, short and flexible tail. In rats, on the contrary, it is thick and long.
- Small rats are similar in shape to adults, they have an elongated muzzle. But mice are more round-faced.
- The mice themselves are also more rounded, all of their bodies. And rats are longer.
- Sleeping babies are even more different. Mice always sleep in a ball. Rats, on the other hand, lie on their stomachs or on their backs with outstretched legs.
Rat and mouse: visual.
Difference in appearance
Shades of wool in rodents can be similar. And body structure too. But there are significant differences.
| Parameters | Rats | Mice |
| body size | Up to 25cm length | 7-10 see |
| Adult weight | 220-250, males 450 g | 45-85 gram |
| Muzzle shape | Elongated muzzle, small eyes | Triangular muzzle, large, nimble eyes |
| Ears | Small, slightly hairy, triangular | Rounded ears, bald and mobile |
| Feet | Powerful, muscular, with webbed fingers | Small, flexible, with tenacious claws. |
| Tail | Short, bristly ½ of body length | Long, thin, ¾ length |
| Wool | Rough, sparse, visible skin | Silky, soft, grows in a dense cover. |
How are close relatives different?
It would seem that similar species, but have the biggest difference at the gene level. Rats have 22 sets of chromosomes, mice have 20. Hence the differences in intelligence, lifestyle and behavior.
Rats are cautious animals. They are cunning, easily trained, dexterous. Their training takes place at the level of dogs. One of the trained rats Magwa, Gambian hamster breed, received merit and a medal.
Both those and those species of animals can eat plant foods, but will not give up meat. But the larger rodents, rats, are more likely to attack and attack others, even mice.
Conclusion
Despite the apparent similarity, rats and mice have more differences than common features. And even a small mouse from a rat is easy to distinguish if you know what to look for.
