Scientific name Myomorpha Rank Suborder | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Rodent | |
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Lifespan Brown rat: 2 years, Golden hamster: 2 – 3 years Gestation period House mouse: 20 days, Brown rat: 21 days Mass House mouse: 19 g, Brown rat: 230 g Lower classifications Murids, Rat, Mouse, Hamster, Muroidea | ||
The suborder Myomorpha contains 1,137 species of mouse-like rodents, nearly a quarter of all mammal species. Included are mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, lemmings, and voles. They are grouped according to the structure of their jaws and molar teeth. Both their medial and lateral masseter muscles are displaced forward, making them adept at gnawing. The medial masseter muscle goes through the eye socket, a feature unique among mammals. Myomorphs are found worldwide (apart from Antarctica) in almost all land habitats. They are usually nocturnal seed-eaters.
Most myomorph species belong to the superfamily Muroidea: (hamsters, voles, lemmings, true mice, true rats, and gerbils).
Historically, the definition of the suborder Myomorpha has included one or both of: