Difference between revisions of "Rat"
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| − | A '''rat''' is a medium-sized [[rodent]] found on all inhabited [[continent]]s. They live on garbage in slums and are also often known to carry disease. The [bubonic plague]] which killed one third the population of Europe is attributed to rats which carried plague-infected | + | A '''rat''' is a medium-sized [[rodent]] found on all inhabited [[continent]]s. They live on garbage in slums and are also often known to carry disease. The [[bubonic plague]] which killed one third the population of Europe is attributed to rats which carried plague-infected |
fleas living in their fur. The [[taxonomy|genus]] ''Rattus'' includes over 50 species. | fleas living in their fur. The [[taxonomy|genus]] ''Rattus'' includes over 50 species. | ||
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Rats are capable of surviving in a wide range of different environments ranging from grasslands, forests, urban settlements, ships, and the unforgiving [[arctic]]. They tend to thrive around [[human beings]]. | Rats are capable of surviving in a wide range of different environments ranging from grasslands, forests, urban settlements, ships, and the unforgiving [[arctic]]. They tend to thrive around [[human beings]]. | ||
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Rats can survive on an extremely diverse diet, including [[seed]]s, [[fruit]]s, small [[bird]]s and [[mammal]]s, scraps and even garbage. | Rats can survive on an extremely diverse diet, including [[seed]]s, [[fruit]]s, small [[bird]]s and [[mammal]]s, scraps and even garbage. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Domesticated rats== |
Rats can be kept as pets, although it is unwise for a child to try to tame a wild rat found in a slum. Like gerbils and hamsters, they must be raised in a sterile environment before brought into your home, lest an accidental bite infect you with a deadly disease. | Rats can be kept as pets, although it is unwise for a child to try to tame a wild rat found in a slum. Like gerbils and hamsters, they must be raised in a sterile environment before brought into your home, lest an accidental bite infect you with a deadly disease. | ||
They are usually kept in a [[cage]] or a [[terrarium]], sometimes with other rats or [[mice]]. Domestic rats are curious, clean, and gentle creatures with a lifespan of approximately three years. | They are usually kept in a [[cage]] or a [[terrarium]], sometimes with other rats or [[mice]]. Domestic rats are curious, clean, and gentle creatures with a lifespan of approximately three years. | ||
[[category:Rodents]] | [[category:Rodents]] | ||
Revision as of 14:50, November 25, 2008
A rat is a medium-sized rodent found on all inhabited continents. They live on garbage in slums and are also often known to carry disease. The bubonic plague which killed one third the population of Europe is attributed to rats which carried plague-infected fleas living in their fur. The genus Rattus includes over 50 species.
Rats are capable of surviving in a wide range of different environments ranging from grasslands, forests, urban settlements, ships, and the unforgiving arctic. They tend to thrive around human beings. Rats can survive on an extremely diverse diet, including seeds, fruits, small birds and mammals, scraps and even garbage.
Domesticated rats
Rats can be kept as pets, although it is unwise for a child to try to tame a wild rat found in a slum. Like gerbils and hamsters, they must be raised in a sterile environment before brought into your home, lest an accidental bite infect you with a deadly disease. They are usually kept in a cage or a terrarium, sometimes with other rats or mice. Domestic rats are curious, clean, and gentle creatures with a lifespan of approximately three years.