The Dormouse
A mouse, plural mice, is a small rodent.
Characteristically, mice are known to have a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail, and a high breeding rate.
The best known mouse species is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). Mice are also popular as pets.
In some places, certain kinds of field mice are locally common. They are known to invade homes for food and shelter.
Mice are classified under the order Rodentia. Typical mice are classified in the genus Mus.
Mice are typically distinguished from rats by their size.
Generally, when someone discovers a smaller muroid rodent, its common name includes the term mouse.
If it is larger, the name includes the term rat.
The common terms rat and mouse are not taxonomically specific.
Scientifically, the term mouse is not confined to members of Mus for example, but also applies to species from other genera such as the deer mouse, Peromyscus.
Domestic mice sold as pets often differ substantially in size from the common house mouse.
This is attributable to breeding and different conditions in the wild.
The best-known strain of mouse is the white lab mouse.
It has more uniform traits that are appropriate to its use in research.
