A rodent is a type of mammal belonging to the order Rodentia. These creatures are characterized by having a single pair of continuously growing incisors in both their upper and lower jaws. Here are some key points about rodents: Definition: Rodents are mammals belonging to the order Rodentia. They share a common feature: a single pair of continuously growing incisors in both their upper and lower jaws.

Diversity: About 40% of all mammal species fall into this category. Rodents are found on nearly every landmass except New Zealand, Antarctica, and some oceanic islands. Humans have introduced them to most of these areas.

Ecological Adaptability: Rodents thrive in diverse habitats, including human-made environments. They can be arboreal, fossorial, saltatorial, or semiaquatic.

Morphological Features: All rodents have ever-growing incisors, robust bodies, short limbs, and long tails.

Famous Rodents: Mice, rats, squirrels, prairie dogs, porcupines, beavers, guinea pigs, and hamsters are well-known examples. Rabbits and hares, although similar, belong to a separate order called Lagomorpha.

Behavior: Rodents use their sharp incisors to gnaw food, excavate burrows, and defend themselves. They tend to be social animals with complex communication.

Fossil Record: Rodents date back to the Paleocene era and diversified during the Eocene period as they spread across continents.

Associated with Rats:

a) Material and Infrastructural Damage:Rats gnaw on various materials, including concrete, wood, insulation, and electrical harnesses. This can lead to unsafe conditions, power failures, fires, and structural damage. Their urine emits a strong ammonia smell, affecting air quality. Torn materials and broken packaging result in financial losses.

b) Health Risks and Diseases:

Rats transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, including salmonella, Weil’s disease, E. coli, tuberculosis, rabies, and more.

Transmission occurs through biting, contaminated food, direct contact, and even indirectly via water.

Rats also carry parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks, which can cause itching, allergies, or diseases like Lyme disease.

c) Types of Rats:

Sewer Rat: Social animals found in underground holes, warehouses, and sewers.

Roof Rat: Prefers high, dry places like attics and insulation spaces.

In summary, while rodents play essential ecological roles, rats, in particular, can wreak havoc on property, contaminate food, and pose health risks. Vigilance and effective pest control are crucial to managing rat infestations.