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Rodent
The order Rodentia has been the most spectacularly successful of all the branches on the mammal family tree. Currently there are, depending on the authority consulted, between 2000 and 3000 species of rodent—roughly half of all mammal species. Rodents are found in vast numbers on all continents (they are the only placental order other than the bats to reach Australia without human introduction), most islands, and in all habitats bar the oceans.
Most rodents are small. The tiny African Pygmy Mouse is only 6 cm in length and 7 grams in weight. On the other hand, the Capybara can weigh up to 45 kg (100 pounds) and the extinct Phoberomys pattersoni is believed to have weighed 700 kg.
Rodents have two incisors in the upper as well as in the lower jaw which grow continuously and must be kept worn down by gnawing; this is the origin of the name, from the Latin rodere, to gnaw. These teeth are used for cutting wood, biting through the skin of fruit, or for defence. Nearly all rodents feed on plants, seeds in particular, but there are a few exceptions which eat insects or even fish.
Classification
The order Rodentia may be divided into suborders, superfamilies and families. This is a common classification scheme:
- ORDER RODENTIA
- Suborder Sciurognathi
- Superfamily Sciurida
- Superfamily Castorimorpha
- Superfamily Anomaluromorpha
- Superfamily Ctenodactylomorpha
- Family Ctenodactylidae: gundis
- Superfamily Glirimorpha
- Superfamily Myomorpha
- Family Geomyidae: pocket gophers
- Family Heteromyidae: kangaroo mice
- Family Zapodidae: jumping mice
- Family Dipodidae: jerboas
- Family Cricetidae: cricetid mice, including hamsters
- Family Gerbillidae: gerbils
- Family Muridae: true mice, including true rats
- Family Rhizomyidae: bamboo rats
- Family Spalacidae: mole rats
- '''Suborder Hystricognathi
- Superfamily Hystricomorpha
- Superfamily Bathyergomorpha
- Family Bathyergidae: African mole rats
- Superfamily Caviomorpha
Recent work has suggested that the rodents may actually be biologically polyphyletic (i.e. have evolved more than once), specifically the Myomorpha may constitute a distinct and separate lineage, in which case the order would have to be revised.
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NetVet - Rodents
Compilation of resources.
http://netvet.wustl.edu/rodents.htm
The Pet Rodent Homepage
Basic description of several common species, general care and information, and genetics.
http://www.webcom.com/lstead/rodents/rodents.html
Rodent's Ring
This web ring is for pages that are on any type of rodents, rats, mice, and squirrels.
http://members.tripod.com/~Rats_and_Nonesuch/RODENTS.HTM
Rodentfancy
International directory for domestic rodent information, pet care, genetics, message boards and chat.
http://www.rodentfancy.com/
The Rodent Weekly
The world's largest newspaper written by and for rodents -- receives no government subsidies whatsoever.
http://bennyhills.fortunecity.com/hicks/236/
Degus and Chinchillas Ring
Webring for sites about degus or chinchillas.
http://n.webring.com/hub?ring=degu
Cavy Rescue
Has informative guides, useful links, plus e-newsletters for various rodents.
http://www.cavyrescue.co.uk
RatsAndMice.com
Care guide, pictures, forum, FAQ, links, articles, DIY toys and genetics guide.
http://www.ratsandmice.com
Small and Furries
Information on small rodents including selected species of hamsters, jirds, voles, degus, mice, dormice, lemmings, and rats. Features photos, chat facility, message board, and articles.
http://www.smallandfurries.co.uk/
Eva's Rodent Reference
Advice from an enthusiast on the care and breeding of popular rodents, including guinea pigs, rats and mice.
http://goto.glocalnet.net/matsvin/
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