Rats are medium-sized rodents belonging to the genus Rattus. They are widespread mammals found on every continent except Antarctica. About 65 rat species exist in a range of habitats.

Rats demonstrate remarkable physical abilities and intelligence. Their behavioral flexibility enables their success living alongside humans in urban environments.

Biology and Physiology of Rats

Rats have slender bodies, pointed snouts, small ears, and thin tails. Fur color varies by species from brown or black to pale.

Notable rat features include:

• Sharp teeth for gnawing
• Strong jaws and sense of smell
• Whiskers to navigate environments
• Keen hearing and vision
• Agility and ability to jump

Rats are omnivores and eat plants, seeds, insects, fish, and garbage. They require little water and can live in diverse climates.

Rat Species and Populations

Major groups of rats include:

• Black rats – Originated in tropical Asia, now globally spread.
• Brown rats – Largest species, from East Asia, now ubiquitous worldwide.
• Polynesian rats – Colonized Pacific islands with human travelers.
• New World rats – Evolved in North and South America.
• African pouched rats – Larger relative with cheek folds.

Both wild rats and domesticated pet rats belong to the Rattus genus.

Rats and Human History

Rats have long interacted with human civilizations:

• Spreading as stowaways on ships and trade routes.
• Transmitting diseases like bubonic plague.
• Feared as biblical pests devouring crops.
• Used in medical research for anatomy and illnesses.
• Featured in culture from fables to films.

This complex relationship continues today.

Rats as Pets

Selectively bred as pets, domestic rats exhibit sociability and intelligence. Fancy rats are calmer than wild counterparts.

Popular as pets for:

• Affordability compared to other mammals
• Cuteness and responsiveness to handling
• Short lifespans of only 2-3 years

Rats bond closely with owners and interact through play. Proper habitat and nutrition are essential.

Rats in the Wild

Wild rats live in forests, scrub lands, swamps, farms, and urban buildings. They nest in burrows, sewers, piles of debris, or wall voids.

Rats scavenge food from trash or agriculture. They may damage crops and spread disease. Controlling populations remains challenging.

Rat Imagery and Clipart

Typical rat clipart uses cartoonish profiles of rats with long bald tails and large front teeth. More lifelike graphics depict fur color and textured coats.

Rats symbolize thievery, filth, and vice but also cleverness and survival instinct. Different values shape cultural representations.

Rats in Media and Culture

Rats feature prominently in media and popular imagination:

• As evil villains and minions in books and film
• Used in derogatory metaphors for treachery
• Portrayed more positively in works like Ratatouille
• Feared in horror and science fiction
• Celebrated in Chinese Zodiac

This reveals complex views of rats across history.

Conservation of Wild Rats

Most wild rats adapt readily to human disturbances. However, rare endemic island rats face threats from:

• Habitat destruction by development and agriculture
• Competition from invasive rat species
• Persecution as agricultural pests
• Targeted eradication on certain islands

Protecting rare island ecosystems can benefit native rats.

From fields to cities, rats play dynamic roles across human settlements and landscapes. A nuanced perspective on rats considers threats posed but also their impressive capabilities enabling survival. Rats will likely continue thriving alongside humans for the foreseeable future.