What is a Rodent?

If you think rats are the only rodents on the planet, you are in for a surprise. There are about 4000 species of rodents which include squirrels, porcupines, beavers and even hamsters. What are rodents and how do we differentiate them from other animals?

Rodents are mammals characterized by their large chisel-like upper and lower incisors.  These sharp teeth are used for gnawing or nibbling on food and grow constantly throughout the animal's life. The majority of rodents have very strong forepaws which are used almost like hands as they run, jump, burrow, swim, glide and of course, feed.

Rodents are estimated to be the largest group of mammals, with over 4000 species spread out all over the world. They are generally small and furry creatures, on the average just several inches long. A few of them, specifically the Capybara, can grow as tall as 4 feet high.

There are three suborders of rodents, namely: sciuromorpha, myomorpha and hystricomorpha. The suborders are determined by characterictics.

The sciuromorphs are the rodents which have squirrel-like appearances and anatomical structures. Included in this suborder are the beaver, pocket mouse, gopher, groundhog, marmot, chipmunk and squirrel.

Myomorpha is the largest of three rodent groups and this includes animals which have mouse-like characteristics.  Mice, rats, gerbils, voles, lemmings and hamsters belong to this suborder.

Finally, hystricomorphs are rodents with porcupine-like appearance and characteristics.  Among the species included in this suborder are domestic guinea pigs, chinchillas, bush rats, capybaras and porcupines.