Rats

Rats, highly adaptable rodents of the genus Rattus, have thrived alongside humans for centuries, inhabiting urban environments, rural landscapes, and everywhere in between. Renowned for their intelligence and resourcefulness, rats possess sharp teeth and strong jaws, allowing them to gnaw through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and even metal. Despite their negative reputation as pests, rats play crucial roles in ecosystems as scavengers and prey for larger predators. Their rapid reproduction rates and ability to exploit diverse food sources contribute to their success as a species, often making them challenging to control in human settlements. While some species, like the common brown rat, are considered invasive pests, others, such as the black rat, have historical significance and have been domesticated as pets or used in scientific research.