Rats
Rats (Rattus)
Rats (/ræts/; from Old English ræt) are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents. Species of rats are found throughout the order Rodentia, but stereotypical rats are found in the genus Rattus.
Etymology
The term "rat" is derived from the Old English ræt. The Latin word for rat, rattus, is believed to be a derivative of the Sanskrit word ratri, which means "night".
Species
The best-known rat species are the Black Rat (Rattus rattus) and the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus). The group is generally known as Old World rats or true rats, and originated in Asia.
Anatomy and Physiology
Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size. Generally, when someone discovers a large muroid rodent, its common name includes the term rat, while if it is smaller, its name includes the term mouse.
Behavior
Rats are known for their adaptability and are found in diverse environments around the world. They are nocturnal and are often associated with human habitats.
Medical Significance
Rats have been identified as the reservoir hosts for a number of zoonotic diseases, including Plague, Leptospirosis, and Hantavirus.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rats
- Wikipedia's article - Rats
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