2. History
⢠Today there are 1,687 species of
rodents.
⢠Examples: Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice,
Rats, Guinea pigs, Chinchilla,
Squirrels, Beaver.
⢠Paramys is considered to be the
ancestors of all rodents.
3. Rodent Characteristics
⢠To be in the Order
Rodentia they must
have the following:
⢠Split upper lip
⢠2 large upper
incisors
⢠Teeth always
growing
4. Classification
⢠Classification for Hamsters, Gerbils
and Rats:
⢠Kingdom: Animalia
⢠Phylum: Chordata
⢠Class: Mammalia
⢠Order: Rodentia
⢠Family: Muridae
7. Naturally Found
⢠Hamsters are native to deserts in the
middle east.
⢠They were collected for research until
they believed people could keep them
as pets.
8. Characteristics
⢠Male hamsters have scent glands on
their rear end, and used to mark
territory.
⢠Female are more aggressive than
male and usually dominant males.
9. Characteristics
⢠Hamsters are nocturnal and forage for
food at night and hold food in cheek
pouches.
⢠Female will carry babies in pouches.
12. Classification
⢠Kingdom â Animalia
⢠Phylum â Chordata
⢠Class â Mammalia
⢠Order â Rodentia (so what do their
teeth do?)
⢠Family â Muridae (includes rats and
hamsters)
13.
14. History
⢠Best known as the Mongolian Desert
Mouse
⢠1935 Japanese scientists were the
first to breed in captivity
⢠Became popular as pets
â No special food or housing requirements
â Odorless
â Rarely bite
15. History
⢠Found in the dry, desert regions of Africa
and Asia
⢠Wild ď live in colonies and dig burrows for
shelter
â Diet: seeds, leaves, roots, stems and insects
22. History
⢠Rats are naturally from Southern Asia,
but well established in Europe by
1200s.
⢠Rats most widely known for their part
in the Black Plague. (killed 25% of
people)
23. History
⢠Rats reached N.
America in 1500s
⢠Rats are found all over
the world.
⢠Rat Caused
Problems:
⢠1. Carriers of diseases
⢠2. Destroying crops
⢠3. Causes fires
(chewing)
24. Information
⢠Why rats are successful:
⢠1. Ability to adapt to many habitats
⢠2. Eat anything
⢠3. Reproduce Rapidly
25. Most Common Rodent Diseases
⢠1. Wet tail â see wetness around the tail
and rear area of animal, usually caused
by runny diarrhea.
⢠Treat by using medication and keep cage
clean