Rodentia
Rodentia
Rodentia (pronounced: roh-DEN-tee-uh) is an order of mammals also known as rodents. The name Rodentia is derived from the Latin word 'rodere' which means 'to gnaw'. This is a characteristic feature of this group of mammals.
Characteristics
Members of the Rodentia order are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws which they use for gnawing. They have a diverse range of sizes and shapes, and are found in various habitats all over the world.
Classification
Rodentia is the largest order of mammals, constituting almost half of the class Mammalia’s approximately 4,660 species. It is divided into three suborders: Sciuromorpha (squirrel-like rodents), Myomorpha (rat-like rodents), and Hystricomorpha (porcupine-like rodents).
Evolution
The origin of Rodentia is traced back to the Paleocene, over 60 million years ago. They have since diversified and adapted to various habitats, including terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic environments.
Impact on Humans
Rodents have significant impacts on humans. Some species are seen as pests, damaging infrastructure and spreading diseases, while others are important in scientific research or as pets.
Related Terms
- Mammalia: The class to which Rodentia belongs.
- Incisors: The continuously growing teeth characteristic of rodents.
- Sciuromorpha: A suborder of Rodentia.
- Myomorpha: A suborder of Rodentia.
- Hystricomorpha: A suborder of Rodentia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rodentia
- Wikipedia's article - Rodentia
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