Rodentia

SciurinaeScuirinae

Rodentia Rodents make up the largest group of mammals. The name Rodentia comes from the Latin word //rodere// meaning to gnaw. There are 1700 species of rodents in the World, rodents represent about 40% of mammilian species.

Characteristics: One major characteristic of rodents is their teeth. They have one pair of upper incisors and one pair of lower incisors. Behind the incicors is a big gap in the tooth rows. Their teeth continually grown throughout their life. They have no canines and typically only have a few molors. They have well developed hearing, compacted body with short legs, 4 or 5 digits on each front foot, 3-5 digits on rear feet, sole of foot is bare,small front limbs, if the tail breaks off it grows back, and they have pale coloration. Rodents that live in and around water such as Capybara and Beaver may have webbed or partially webbed feet, and tails modified for swimming. Most rodents are active throughout the year. Many rodents make a squeeking noise and grind their teeth. Some rodents may burrow in the ground or even hibernate for months. Many rodents produce large numbers of offspring, which explains why they make up the largest group of mammals. Other rodents are omnivorous and eat both plants and meat. Families Castoridae Sciurinae Pteromyinae
 * Dipodidae
 * Muridae
 * Arvicolinae
 * - Murinae
 * - Sigmodontinae
 * Echimyidae
 * Geomyidae
 * Heteromyidae
 * Erethizontidae

Diet: Most rodents are herbivorous, plant eaters. Their diet mostly consists of seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and flowers. Rodents nibble on the food that they eat. Some rodents have cheek pouches that are used to store and transport food. Some rodents are carnovorous and eat small fish, frogs, and mollusks. 5 Animals found in Minnesota: Eastern Chipmunk

Woodchuck

Tree Squirrel

Plains Pocket Gopher

White Footed Mouse

Range of Size and Weight: Rodents range from about 4.7 inches long and weigh about half an ounce to about 39.4 inches and weigh about 110 pounds.

Fun Fact: Rodents cost billions of dollars in lost crops each year and some are carriers of human diseases such as Bubonic Plague, Typhus, and Hanta Fever.

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By: Grace Sweeter and Sara Doeden