Definition & Meaning of "rodent"

Rodent

NOUN

any small mammal with a pair of strong front teeth, such as mice, hamsters, rats, etc.

What is "rodent"?

Rodent refers to a group of small to medium-sized mammals characterized by their continuously growing incisors. They have sharp front teeth that never stop growing, which they use to gnaw and chew on various objects, including food, wood, and even wires. Rodents are found on all continents except Antarctica and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the tiny pygmy jerboa to the larger capybara, which can weigh up to 140 pounds. Some common examples of rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, hamsters, and guinea pigs. They play an essential role in many ecosystems as they serve as prey for predators such as snakes, birds of prey, and cats, and help to disperse seeds by storing and burying them for later use.

Example

Rats, another type of rodent, are known for their intelligence and adaptability to diverse environments.

Guinea pigs, while resembling rodents, are actually classified in a separate family known as cavies.

The house mouse is a common rodent found in urban and rural areas around the world.

Squirrels, although often considered cute, are also rodents that play crucial roles in forest ecosystems.

Porcupines, although not commonly thought of as rodents, are classified in the rodent family and are known for their quills used as defense mechanisms.