Myomorphamice, rats, gerbils, jerboas, and relatives
Mice, rats, gerbils, and relatives is the largest, most diverse, and most widespread group of rodents in the world. With more than 1500 species, it also represents about 38% of all mammal species in the world! This is an exceptionally diverse group, with all kinds of lifestyles, body sizes, and habitats represented. Members of this group are found throughout the world, except for Antarctica, New Zealand, and some small oceanic islands. Most members of this group are small mice and rats.
Contributors
Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.
Glossary
- bilateral symmetry
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having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
- chemical
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uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
- endothermic
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animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. Convergent in birds.
- motile
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having the capacity to move from one place to another.
- sexual
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reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female
- tactile
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uses touch to communicate