The Most Popular Rodent, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the rodent you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:47
Welcome to StrawPoll's great rodent debate! As a haven for countless polls and rankings, we've scurried into the world of our furry, whiskered friends to bring you the ultimate quest to determine the most popular rodent. Whether you're a fan of the cheeky chipmunk, the resourceful rat, or the cute capybara, it's time for you to cast your vote and help us crown the reigning rodent royalty. But hey, if your favorite critter is still hiding in the shadows, don't hesitate to suggest a missing option. We're all ears! So, join us in this whisker-twitching, tail-wagging showdown and let your voice be heard. Dive into the thrilling world of rodents and discover which one scampers its way to the top!
What Is the Most Popular Rodent?
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173votesThe common house mouse is one of the most widely distributed and well-known rodents in the world. They are often kept as pets and are also used extensively in scientific research.A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that allows users to move the cursor on a computer screen and select objects by clicking buttons. It is commonly used as an input device for navigating graphical user interfaces and executing commands.
- Tracking Method: Optical or laser
- Sensitivity: Measured in dots per inch (DPI)
- Buttons: Left-click, right-click, and scroll wheel are common
- Scrolling: Vertical and horizontal scrolling capabilities
- Connectivity: Wired or wireless (Bluetooth or RF dongle)
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226votesThe brown rat is another common rodent that is found all over the world. They are often considered pests, but are also used for scientific research and are kept as pets.The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, representing intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It is known for its sharp wit and cunning nature. People born under this sign are believed to be highly observant and quick-thinking, with a strong sense of intuition.
- Symbol: Rat
- Element: Water
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Lucky Colors: Blue, Gold, Green
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 3
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316votesThe guinea pig is a popular pet rodent that is known for its docile nature and cute appearance. They are also used in scientific research.The Guinea pig, also known as a Cavy, is a small domesticated mammal belonging to the rodent family. They are popular pets due to their gentle nature and social behavior.
- Scientific Name: Cavia porcellus
- Average Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Size: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long
- Weight: 700-1200 grams
- Appearance: Short, rounded body with small ears and no tail. They have various coat colors and patterns.
Guinea pig in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular domestic animal
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416votesHamsters are small, furry rodents that are commonly kept as pets. They are known for their ability to store food in their cheeks and their cute, playful nature.The hamster is a small rodent belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. It has a round body with short legs, small ears, and a short tail. Hamsters are typically kept as pets due to their adorable appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements.
- Size: Around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long
- Weight: Between 0.5 to 7 ounces (15 to 200 grams)
- Lifespan: Usually 2 to 3 years in captivity
- Habitat: Originally found in the deserts of Syria, Hamsters now exist in various regions as pets
- Coat Colors: Hamsters can have a variety of coat colors, including white, black, brown, gray, and combinations of these
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511votesSquirrels are a type of rodent that is found all over the world. They are known for their bushy tails, love of nuts, and acrobatic abilities.The word 'squirrel' is a noun that refers to a small to medium-sized rodent with a bushy tail, typically found in trees. It is known for its quick movements and ability to gather and store nuts.
- Length of the Word: The word 'squirrel' is seven letters long.
- Pronunciation Difficulty: The word 'squirrel' is considered difficult to pronounce due to the combination of the consonant sounds 'skw' and 'rl' in rapid succession.
- Word Origin: The word 'squirrel' has origins in the Greek language, where it was called 'skiouros' meaning 'shadow-tailed'.
- Usage: The word 'squirrel' is commonly used to describe the animal, but can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is restless or easily distracted.
- Habitat: Squirrels are found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
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68votesBeavers are large aquatic rodents that are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their ability to build dams and lodges and are important ecosystem engineers.The beaver is a semi-aquatic mammal found in Canada. It is well-known for its distinctive appearance and unique behaviors.
- Species: Castor canadensis
- Size: Weight: 16-32 kg, Length: 74-90 cm
- Appearance: Stocky body, large paddle-shaped tail, dark brown fur
- Habitat: Lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands
- Diet: Mainly herbivorous, feeds on tree bark, twigs, and aquatic plants
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78votesPorcupines are large, slow-moving rodents that are covered in sharp quills. They are found in North and South America, Africa, and Asia.The porcupine is a large, spiky-haired rodent known for its defensive quills that cover most of its body. It belongs to the family Erethizontidae and is native to various regions of North and South America, Africa, and Asia.
- Size: Between 25 to 36 inches long
- Weight: Up to 35 pounds
- Lifespan: Up to 27 years in captivity
- Body Covering: Sharp, barbed quills that can be over 3 inches long
- Color: Varies between species, commonly brown or black
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82votesThe capybara is the largest rodent in the world and is found in South America. They are known for their social nature and love of water.The Capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America. It is the largest rodent in the world and often referred to as a giant guinea pig due to its similar appearance. Capybaras are highly social animals that live in large groups near bodies of water such as rivers, swamps, and marshes. They have become popular exotic pets in some countries but require specific care and environments to thrive.
- Size: Adults can weigh between 77 and 146 pounds (35 to 66 kilograms) and reach a length of 3.5 to 4.4 feet (1.04 to 1.34 meters).
- Habitat: Capybaras need access to clean water as they are excellent swimmers. They also require a large enclosure or access to a secure outdoor area with plenty of vegetation and hiding places.
- Diet: Their diet consists mainly of grass, aquatic plants, and fruits. Capybaras are herbivores and need a high-fiber diet to maintain their health.
- Social Behavior: Capybaras are highly social animals that live in groups known as herds. They require plenty of social interaction and companionship, preferably with other capybaras.
- Temperature: Capybaras are sensitive to cold temperatures and require a warm climate or controlled environment to prevent hypothermia.
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95votesChinchillas are small, fluffy rodents that are native to the Andes mountains in South America. They are known for their soft fur and are often kept as pets.The Chinchilla is a small-sized, soft-furred rodent native to the Andes mountains in South America. Known for its adorable appearance and playful personality, it has become a popular choice as an exotic pet.
- Size: Approximately 9-15 inches long
- Weight: Around 1-1.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Coat: Velvety, dense fur with various color variations (gray, beige, white, black, etc.)
- Nocturnal or Diurnal: Primarily nocturnal
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105votesThe muskrat is a medium-sized rodent that is found in North America. They are known for their ability to swim and their importance as a food source for predators.The Muskrat is a medium-sized amphibious rodent that is native to North America. It belongs to the genus Ondatra and is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along the shores of lakes and rivers. The Muskrat has a stout body covered in waterproof fur, a long scaly tail, and webbed hind feet, which make it an excellent swimmer.
- Scientific Name: Ondatra zibethicus
- Size: 25-40 cm (9.8-15.7 inches) in length
- Weight: 0.6-2 kg (1.3-4.4 lbs)
- Lifespan: 2-3 years in the wild
- Habitat: Marshes, wetlands, lakes, rivers
Missing your favorite rodent?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular rodent
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Human interactionRodents that coexist with humans and are frequently encountered can be ranked higher in popularity. For example, rats and mice are commonly found in urban areas.
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Cultural significanceSome rodents hold an important place in folklore, customs, and beliefs of different cultures. Their cultural impact may increase their popularity ranking.
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Pets and domesticationRodents that are kept as pets, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils, are typically more popular compared to wild rodents.
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Economic impactSome rodents may hold a significant economic value, such as capybaras in South America, whose meat is consumed and their fur is used for clothing or accessories.
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Scientific researchRodents that are frequently used as model organisms in scientific research, such as lab rats and mice, might be ranked higher in popularity due to their widespread use and contributions to our understanding of biology.
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Conservation statusPopularity can be influenced by the conservation status of the species, with endangered or threatened species drawing more attention and resources toward their preservation.
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Physical appearanceAttractive or unique physical features might also contribute to a rodent's popularity, such as the large size of a capybara or the colorful fur of a chinchilla.
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Behavior and temperamentRodents with interesting or endearing behaviors, as well as those that are less aggressive or destructive, may be more popular.
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Media representationThe portrayal of rodents in movies, television shows, and other forms of media can shape public perception and have an impact on their popularity ranking.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular rodent. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Rat is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2027 views
- 169 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rat once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rat is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular rodent
Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that are characterized by their continuously growing incisors. From tiny mice and rats to larger species like beavers and porcupines, rodents can be found in almost every habitat on Earth. In fact, they make up almost half of all mammal species!
But which rodent is the most popular? According to our StrawPoll data, it's the cute and cuddly hamster that takes the top spot. These small, furry creatures are popular pets around the world, thanks to their friendly nature and adorable appearance.
However, other rodents like squirrels, guinea pigs, and even rats have their own dedicated fan bases. Each species has its own unique qualities that make them beloved by different groups of people.
Whether you're a rodent enthusiast or simply curious about these fascinating creatures, StrawPoll is the perfect place to explore the world of rodents and discover which species is the most popular among our community.
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