Rodents

Rodents are small mammals, typically with an elongated snout, two large incisor teeth in the upper and lower jaws, and a set of long-haired vibrissae near the nose. They are a diverse order of mammals, with over 2000 living species, ranging from rabbits and mice to rats and porcupines. Rodents are of great ecological, economic, and medical importance. Ecologically, they are vital components in food chains and their populations serve as indicators of the health of their habitats. Economically, they are responsible for damage to stored food and clothing, but are also a prominent food source for humans in many parts of the world. In terms of medical importance, rodents are known as reservoirs of many viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing agents, and have also been used as models in medical research.