Rats and mice are considered a nuisance, and they are most commonly associated with negative things. These rodents carry pathogens that may cause diseases and can infest homes and damages properties. They also have a reputation fr being unsanitary.
However, rats and mice are also incredibly smart. Their intelligence surprises many people because they can avoid the traps set for them. But how smart are rats and mice, and why does it matter?
Rodent brains are smaller in size than humans, but amazingly research has shown that rat brains have similar structures and functions to the human brain.
Some people have assumed that rodents were blind. Still, researchers from Harvard University have proven that rats and mice have advanced vision and processing abilities, enabling them to recognize 3D objects despite the changes in orientation. What's more surprising is that rats can detect when a movie features rats.
Rodent behavior reflects intelligence
Rodent behavior can indicate their level of intelligence. For example, mice have multiple ways of communicating with one another lie "talking" through characteristic squeaks ad chirps. Some of these ultrasonic vocalizations are so high pitched that humans cannot hear them, and researchers suggest that mice can sing.
Additionally, their urine and body language also serve as their way of communicating. Their urine contains pheromones that spread important messages while their tail drumming could indicate aggression.
Moreover, rodents are known as social beings with rats displaying behaviors like grooming, sleeping together, and playing. They are also known to display aggressive behaviors towards unknown or unfamiliar rats.
READ: 'Bystander Effect' Also Applies to Other Animals: A Phenomenon Not Exclusive To Humans
Rodent behavior in labs
For more than a century, researchers have been using rodents in psychology experiments due to the similarity of their brain structure to humans' brains, and also their decision-making skills.
Rats can find a good pattern and stick to it, and they are also less likely to second guess themselves than humans, the researchers said.
Furthermore, research has proven that although mice were long thought to be less intelligent than rats, the two actually have the same decision-making abilities, which means that mice can be trained in the lab as much as the rats that are used to observe and form conclusions on human behaviors.
Is understanding rodent behavior important?
Understanding rodent behavior is important, especially in getting insights and understanding human behaviors. It is also important for pest control professionals because understanding rodent behavior can help them detect infestations and determine the best course to remove and control their presence.
Rodent control professionals should be knowledgeable of what can attract rats and mice in homes to be effective in their jobs. It is also crucial for them to know where rats and mice are likely to be found based on the behaviors that the rodents display.
Check out more news and information on Rats on Science Times.
