Rodentia is an order of mammals characterized by small to medium-sized, typically furry animals that possess continuously growing incisors in both their upper and lower jaws. This order, also known as rodents, includes various species such as mice, rats, squirrels, beavers, guinea pigs, and porcupines, among others.
Rodents have adapted to various habitats across the globe, ranging from forests and deserts to grasslands and urban areas. With over 2,200 known species, they form the largest group of mammals, comprising about 40% of all mammal species.
The defining feature of rodents is their specialized incisors, which grow throughout their lives. These incisors have hard enamel on the front surface and softer dentine on the back, resulting in self-sharpening cutting edges as the rodent gnaws on objects to keep its teeth properly filed down.
Rodents are typically herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plant material, including seeds, fruits, nuts, and foliage. However, some species have adapted to a more omnivorous or carnivorous diet.
Due to their prolific nature and ability to adapt, rodents have become successful colonizers of diverse ecosystems, but they can also present challenges to human populations. While some rodents are important in ecological systems as seed dispersers or prey for other animals, others are considered pests due to their destructive behaviors, crop damage, and potential role as disease vectors.
