Rodentology is a branch of
mammalogy In zoology, mammalogy is the study of mammals – a class of vertebrates with characteristics such as homeothermic metabolism, fur, four-chambered hearts, and complex nervous system
In biology, the nervous system is the highly complex part o ...
for the study of
rodents by a rodentologist. The scientific group of rodents would include, but is not limited to, mice, rats, squirrels, etc. From the perspective of
zoology, it investigates the behaviour, biology and classification of various rodent species. The study of rodents includes their
genetics and their place in the
ecosystem. Furthermore, research may be conducted into
pest control,
disease vector
In epidemiology, a disease vector is any living agent that carries and transmits an infectious pathogen to another living organism; agents regarded as vectors are organisms, such as parasites or microbes. The first major discovery of a disease vec ...
,
disease management in agriculture,
environmental degradation
Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment (biophysical), environment through depletion of resources such as quality of air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; an ...
,
globalization and disease, effects on
human society and
pathogen transmission.
Benefits to society
Rodentology may benefit human society with contributions to
agriculture,
balance of nature
The balance of nature, also known as ecological balance, is a theory that proposes that ecological systems are usually in a stable equilibrium or homeostasis, which is to say that a small change (the size of a particular population, for example) w ...
, food protection,
global health, human
health,
infrastructure
Infrastructure is the set of facilities and systems that serve a country, city, or other area, and encompasses the services and facilities necessary for its economy, households and firms to function. Infrastructure is composed of public and priv ...
protection,
integrated pest management,
public health and
scientific research.
Rats! the latest research comes with surprises
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References
External links
Biological pest control
Mammalogy
Pest control
Pest control techniques
Rodents
Rodents and humans
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