Difference between revisions of "Rat"
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(fixed a bit; note: RATS do not transmit bubonic plague, fleas do. Saying rats cause plague would get a C- at best.) |
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| − | A '''rat''' is a small [[rodent]] found on all [[continent]]s except [[Antarctica]]. | + | A '''rat''' is a small [[rodent]] found on all [[continent]]s except [[Antarctica]]. In the wild, rats are often considered to be [[pest]]s. They may be associated with the transmission of disease. Infected fleas living in the fur of rats are supposed to have spread [[bubonic plague]]. The [[taxonomy|genus]] ''Rattus'' includes over 50 species. |
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
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==Pets== | ==Pets== | ||
| − | Rats can make good pets. They are usually kept in a [[cage]] or a [[terrarium]], sometimes with other rats or [[mice]]. | + | Rats can make good pets. 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 life-span of approximately three years. |
[[category:Rodents]] | [[category:Rodents]] | ||
Revision as of 19:34, June 27, 2008
A rat is a small rodent found on all continents except Antarctica. In the wild, rats are often considered to be pests. They may be associated with the transmission of disease. Infected fleas living in the fur of rats are supposed to have spread bubonic plague. The genus Rattus includes over 50 species.
Habitat
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.
Diet
Rats can survive off an extremely diverse diet, including seeds, fruits, small birds and mammals, scraps and even garbage.
Pets
Rats can make good pets. 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 life-span of approximately three years.