Hobbies And Interests
What Is A Rodent?
The name rodent is actually derived from the Latin word "rodere," which means "to gnaw." Rodents got the name from the two incisors on the top and bottom jaw that never stop growing. They have to chew to keep their teeth trimmed. Rodents vary in size from the Baluchistan Pygmy Jerboa, which averages around 5 centimeters in length, making it one of the world's smallest mammals, to the 110-pound Capybara of South America. Although some species of these animals are thought of as pests, many of our ecosystems depend on them for their health and diversity.
Rodents in Ecosystems
Rodents occupy ecosystems on every continent, except Antarctica. They play a vital role in ecosystem health throughout their natural habitats. They are key factors in seed dispersal and germination. In forests where rodent populations become endangered, natural reforestation also becomes endangered. Burrowing rodents are important in aeration, fertilization and mixing of soil. They also help with the ability of land to absorb water, thus alleviating flooding potential. On steep slopes burrowing rodents aid in the prevention of soil erosion. Rodents serve as a food source for predatory mammals. They also provide waste reduction in areas where humans dump refuse.
Rodents in Agriculture
Rodents were once seen as agricultural pests, and many farmers used poison to control them. By the 21st century it was recognized that, although these animals became pests in large numbers, in small numbers they can be beneficial. Many of the rodents that inhabit crop fields eat insect pests, weeds and weed seeds, actually benefiting the farmers and providing a more ecologically friendly solution to these problems than pesticide use. Today, natural predators, such as owls, are being hosted by farmers, who build houses for the birds. In this way farmers can reap benefits of small numbers of rodents and avoid crop-destroying overpopulations of the animals.
Rodent--Human Interaction
House mice and rats that invade homes are not indigenous species in America. They find human dwellings suitable habitats. yet they carry diseases that are transmutable to humans. They are pests, chewing wires, boards and other fixtures in homes while returning nothing of value to humans.
Despite a few pest species, however, rodents serve many uses to humans. Rats are used in laboratories to study disease causes, development and prevention. Some species, such as chinchilla, are harvested for fur. Others, such as the Capybara, are ranched for food and fur. They are highly intelligent animals and make excellent pets that love interaction with their owners and are capable of learning many tricks.