Rodents of unusual size are 17 times more likely on islands than elsewhere
Date:June 22, 2015
Source:Duke University
Summary:Researchers have analyzed size data for rodents worldwide to distinguish the truly massive mice and giant gerbils from the regular-sized rodents. They found that the furry animals with chisel-like teeth are 17 times more likely to evolve to nightmarish proportions on islands than elsewhere.
The results are in keeping with an idea called the 'island rule,' which previous studies claimed didn't apply to rodents.
The study appears online in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Duke University biologists Paul Durst and Louise Roth analyzed data from more than 1,000 rodent populations representing more than 60 species across the globe. The dataset included mice, rats, squirrels, hamsters and porcupines, ranging in size from the tiny 0.2-ounce harvest mouse to the nearly 50-pound North American beaver.
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