Mus musculus

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Mus musculus is a species of rodent that belongs to the family Muridae and the order Rodentia. It is more commonly known as the house mouse.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The Mus musculus is a member of the genus Mus, which includes approximately 40 species of mice. The genus Mus is part of the larger family of Muridae, which also includes rats, gerbils, and other small rodents.

Description[edit | edit source]

Mus musculus is a small rodent, typically weighing between 10 and 25 grams. It has a pointed snout, large, round ears, and a long, thin tail. The fur color can vary, but is typically light brown or gray.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

The Mus musculus is native to Eurasia but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Africa. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, agricultural fields, and forests.

Behavior[edit | edit source]

Mus musculus is primarily nocturnal and is known for its ability to adapt to a variety of environments. It is a social species, living in groups with a dominant male.

Reproduction[edit | edit source]

The breeding season for Mus musculus is typically in the spring and summer, but in warmer climates, it can breed year-round. Females can have up to 10 litters per year, with each litter containing 5-6 offspring.

In science[edit | edit source]

Mus musculus is one of the most commonly used animals in biomedical research. It is used as a model organism in a variety of fields, including genetics, psychology, and medicine.

See also[edit | edit source]

Mus musculus Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD