Rodents (from the Latin rodere, meaning “to gnaw”) are a type of mammal that includes rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, and beavers. They are characterized by their long tails, sharp incisors (front teeth), and small size. Rodents are found in every continent except Antarctica.
There are more than 2200 species of rodents, making them the largest group of mammals after bats. They range in size from the tiny Pygmy Mouse which is just over 2 cm (0.8 inches) long to the Capybara which can weigh up to 140 kg (310 pounds). The majority of rodents live in burrows underground where they build nests out of soft materials such as leaves or grass.
Most rodents are herbivorous but there are some exceptions such as the Capybara which is an omnivore and the coypu which is a semi-aquatic rodent that feeds on plants as well as shellfish and crabs. Some rodents have adapted to living in urban areas and can often be seen scavenging for food in rubbish bins or raiding bird tables!
There are many different ways that rodents can be beneficial to humans. For example, they play an important role in dispersing seeds which helps to maintain healthy ecosystems; they provide us with food such as meat (e.g., rabbits) and their fur can be used to make clothing; they also help us to control pests such as cockroaches and rats (which spread disease). However, they can also cause damage to crops and property, and some species carry diseases that can infect humans such as bubonic plague and Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.