Brown rat
Rattus norvegicus
Where is it found?
Most terrestrial habitats, particularly those inhabited by humans.
Diet and foraging method
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Attack prey in packs.
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Key adaptations
Long tail is used for balance. Their whiskers help them sense objects and vibrations in the area.
Social organisation and mating system
Live in large groups
Promiscuous
Did you know that...?
A female Brown Rat can produce sixty offspring in one year, thus explaining why rats can take over new locations so rapidly.
Taxonomy
Picture credits:
Maps from: http://species.mol.org/species/
"Rattus norvegicus 2" by Tomas Čekanavičius. Licenced under Attribution via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rattus_norvegicus_2.jpg#/media/File:Rattus_norvegicus_2.jpg
"Rattus norvegicus 2" by Tomas Čekanavičius. Licenced under Attribution via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rattus_norvegicus_2.jpg#/media/File:Rattus_norvegicus_2.jpg
