MouseFor other uses, see Mouse (disambiguation). |
The mouse is a mammal that belongs to one of numerous species of small rodents in the genus Mus and various related genera of the family Muridæ (Old World Mice).
The best known mouse species is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). It is found in nearly all countries and, as the laboratory mouse, serves as an important model organism in biology; it is also a popular pet. (Non-biologists often use the term "mouse" synonymously with "Mus musculus"). The American white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) also sometimes live in houses. These species of mice live commensally with humans. Although they may live up to two years in the lab, the average mouse in the wild lives only 3 months, primarily due to heavy predation. Cats, wild dogs, birds-of-prey, and snakes prey heavily upon mice.
Mice can be harmful pests, damaging and eating crops and spreading diseases through their parasites and feces. The domestication of cats is thought to have been for their predation of mice and their relatives, the rats. A mouse trap can also be used to catch mice.
Mice cannot see colors, but they can see the difference between colors, because they see things in shade from black to white.
There are 38 species in the genus Mus.
Mice generally live on a herbivore diet, but are actually omnivores: they will eat meat, the dead bodies of other mice, and have been observed to self-cannibalise their tails during starvation. Mice eat grains and fruits for a regular diet.
Mice are very common experimental animals in biology and psychology primarily because they are mammals, and thus share a high degree of homology with humans, but can be manipulated in ways that would be considered unethical to do with humans. Additional benefits include the fact that mice are small, relatively inexpensive, and several generations can be observed in a short period of time. The mouse genome has been sequenced, and many genes which share homology to human genes have been identified. In the 2006 Biosatellite project, a group of mice will orbit Earth inside a spinning spacecraft to determine how mice react to gravity equivalent to that of Mars. [1]
Mice are popular in fiction, usually as anthropomorphic funny animals. Mickey Mouse in particular is recognized throughout the whole world. Jerry (of Tom and Jerry) is also extremely well known, and are part of the list of fictional mice. It is perhaps ironic that although they have been regarded by mankind as pests for ages, they are often featured as sympathetic in books and cartoons. Perhaps this may be because, due to their famously small size, they are considered the embodiment of "the little guy". Indeed, in many depictions, such as Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, humans are the enemy and mice are the protagonists.
Mention must be made here of Robert Burns' famous poem "To a Mouse", written in 1785, which gave us the immortal proverb "the best-laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry". Burns, who owned a farm for a time, was inspired to write the poem after he had disturbed a field mouse's nest with his plow on a cold November day. The poem could be described as his "apology" to the mouse, and it expresses his apparent longing that man could once again be part of nature's "social union".
There is also Franz Kafka's short story, "Josephine the Singer", an allegorical story about the role of the artist in society, where society is represented by a community of mice and the artist is a mouse named Josephine, with a gift of song.
A noteworthy dubious duo of mice is Pinky and The Brain who are still trying to take over the world.
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.In The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, white mice are pan-dimensional beings who commissioned the construction of a giant computer, the Earth, that would provide for them the question of the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. This is revealed after the earth is destroyed by a Vogon construction crew five minutes before the question is finally calculated. The mice re-appear to commission a second earth and discover Arthur Dent, the sole survivor of earth's destruction, and offer to buy his brain, expecting it to contain the question which they seek. See Races from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Spoilers end here.Mice are now one of the leading rodent pets. Although their main purpose in pet stores is to be sold as snake food, many people buy mice as companion pets. Some common products used are:
Some benefits of having mice as pets are
There are, however, some disadvantages to having pet mice
An estimated half million mice live on the London Underground, mostly running around the tracks.
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An estimated half million mice live on the London Underground, mostly running around the tracks. Although their main purpose in pet stores is to be sold as snake food, many people buy mice as companion pets. That's how you feel when Ryan's throwing balls by you.. Mice are now one of the leading rodent pets. But you don't like it when someone's stuffing it into you by the gallon. See Races from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Every hitter likes fastballs just like everybody likes ice cream. The mice re-appear to commission a second earth and discover Arthur Dent, the sole survivor of earth's destruction, and offer to buy his brain, expecting it to contain the question which they seek. The wags at ESPN suggested that the Astros might have needed to pull Nolan out of retirement if the game went much longer. This is revealed after the earth is destroyed by a Vogon construction crew five minutes before the question is finally calculated. He threw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the 2005 World Series, the first World Series game ever played in Texas, and ultimately the longest in terms of time. In The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, white mice are pan-dimensional beings who commissioned the construction of a giant computer, the Earth, that would provide for them the question of the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. He also appeared in TV ads for Advil for a number of years, a pain medication that he recommended for his own arm, and perhaps also for many opposing batters who found his pitching to be a headache. A noteworthy dubious duo of mice is Pinky and The Brain who are still trying to take over the world. Both teams are affiliates of the Houston Astros. There is also Franz Kafka's short story, "Josephine the Singer", an allegorical story about the role of the artist in society, where society is represented by a community of mice and the artist is a mouse named Josephine, with a gift of song. His current business interests include ownership of two minor league teams – the Corpus Christi Hooks, which play in the Class AA Texas League, and the Round Rock Express, a Class AAA team in the Pacific Coast League. The poem could be described as his "apology" to the mouse, and it expresses his apparent longing that man could once again be part of nature's "social union". He was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame in 2003. Burns, who owned a farm for a time, was inspired to write the poem after he had disturbed a field mouse's nest with his plow on a cold November day. That same year, he ranked Number 41 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Mention must be made here of Robert Burns' famous poem "To a Mouse", written in 1785, which gave us the immortal proverb "the best-laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry". Nolan Ryan was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, in his first year of eligibility. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, humans are the enemy and mice are the protagonists. Since Ryan played more seasons than any other player in baseball history, and only one pitcher in history at the end of his career has more strikeouts per nine innings (Randy Johnson), his career strikeout mark is considered one of the most invulnerable records in baseball. Indeed, in many depictions, such as Mrs. Also he is ninth all-time in hit batsmen. Perhaps this may be because, due to their famously small size, they are considered the embodiment of "the little guy". He also ranks high on the list for four "negative" records; because he was wild as a young pitcher, he piled up the walks and ranks first all-time in walks allowed with 2795, in wild pitches with 277, and he also ranks third all-time in losses, with 292. It is perhaps ironic that although they have been regarded by mankind as pests for ages, they are often featured as sympathetic in books and cartoons. Ryan ranks first all-time in strikeouts (5714), fewest hits allowed per nine innings (6.56), fifth in innings pitched (5386), second in games started (773), seventh in shutouts (61) and tied for 13th in wins (324). Jerry (of Tom and Jerry) is also extremely well known, and are part of the list of fictional mice. Nonetheless, both stand out as the premier "power pitchers" of their time, if not all-time. Mickey Mouse in particular is recognized throughout the whole world. Most importantly, thanks to a strong arm that could handle a lot of work, Ryan had one of the longest careers of any player, whereas Koufax's sterling career was cut short in its prime by arthritis and arm trouble. Mice are popular in fiction, usually as anthropomorphic funny animals. Koufax was blessed to play on some championship Dodgers teams, whereas Ryan found himself on mostly mediocre teams. [1]. But there are many differences too: Koufax pitched left-handed and Ryan right-handed; despite his early troubles, Koufax played his entire career with one team whereas Ryan played for several. In the 2006 Biosatellite project, a group of mice will orbit Earth inside a spinning spacecraft to determine how mice react to gravity equivalent to that of Mars. The numerous times he would try to beanball a player would be a unique part of his legacy. The mouse genome has been sequenced, and many genes which share homology to human genes have been identified. Ryan would also be remembered by many players and fans as a rough neck pitcher that did not take failure lightly. Additional benefits include the fact that mice are small, relatively inexpensive, and several generations can be observed in a short period of time. An astute businessman, Ryan readily admitted that the money was a large part of the reason he played as long as he did. Mice are very common experimental animals in biology and psychology primarily because they are mammals, and thus share a high degree of homology with humans, but can be manipulated in ways that would be considered unethical to do with humans. They were also both very conscious of their value, and had occasional contract disputes with their owners. Mice eat grains and fruits for a regular diet. Koufax once admitted that he began every game with the intention of throwing a perfect game, and failing that, a shutout. Mice generally live on a herbivore diet, but are actually omnivores: they will eat meat, the dead bodies of other mice, and have been observed to self-cannibalise their tails during starvation. It was said of Ryan that he started every game with the intention of striking everyone out. . There are many similarities; both started in the majors at a very young age and struggled early in their careers, both were primarily "extreme fastball" pitchers noted for achieving previously unprecedented strikeout totals and multiple no-hitters, and both were very closed and private away from the game (though Koufax more so than Ryan). There are 38 species in the genus Mus. Given that he broke many of Sandy Koufax's records previously thought to be untouchable, Ryan is frequently compared to him much in the way that Hank Aaron is to Babe Ruth or Pete Rose to Ted Williams and Ty Cobb. Mice cannot see colors, but they can see the difference between colors, because they see things in shade from black to white. While Ventura was immediately ejected, Ryan--who barely moved from his spot on the mound in the fracas--was allowed to remain in the game. A mouse trap can also be used to catch mice. Ryan was widely credited as coming out ahead in the fight, planting those "noogies" on Ventura. The domestication of cats is thought to have been for their predation of mice and their relatives, the rats. Videos of the confrontation were played on sports highlight reels that evening throughout the country. Mice can be harmful pests, damaging and eating crops and spreading diseases through their parasites and feces. The 46-year-old Ryan – a rancher in the offseason and highly dedicated to workouts during the season – promptly subdued the 26-year-old Ventura in a headlock with his left arm, pummelling Ventura's head with his right fist seven times before catcher Iván Rodríguez was able to pull Ventura away from Ryan. Cats, wild dogs, birds-of-prey, and snakes prey heavily upon mice. Ryan famously defended himself, perhaps better than any other known pitcher in a similar situation. Although they may live up to two years in the lab, the average mouse in the wild lives only 3 months, primarily due to heavy predation. The normally unflappable Ventura angrily charged the pitching mound in order to fight Ryan, who was twenty years his senior. These species of mice live commensally with humans. He had just hit Robin Ventura of the Chicago White Sox with a slow moving curveball. The American white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) also sometimes live in houses. However, on August 4, just before the end, Ryan confirmed his reputation as a strong, competitive Texan in one bizarre moment. (Non-biologists often use the term "mouse" synonymously with "Mus musculus"). His seemingly bionic arm finally gave out in Seattle on September 22, 1993, when he tore a tendon, ending his career two starts earier than planned. It is found in nearly all countries and, as the laboratory mouse, serves as an important model organism in biology; it is also a popular pet. Before the 1993 season, Ryan announced his retirement, effective at the end of that season. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). Earlier in the same day Rickey Henderson broke Lou Brock's career stolen base record with his 939th stolen base. The mouse is a mammal that belongs to one of numerous species of small rodents in the genus Mus and various related genera of the family Muridæ (Old World Mice). Coincidentally, Ryan's second baseman in his first two no-hitters was Alomar's father, Sandy Sr. Mus baoulei. He pitched his seventh no-hitter on May 1, 1991, striking out Roberto Alomar of the Toronto Blue Jays for the final out. Mus goundae. He threw his sixth no-hitter and earned his 300th win in 1990 on July 30th against the Milwaukee Brewers. Mus oubanguii. Two years later, at 44, he finished fifth in the league in ERA (2.91) and third in strikeouts (203), to again earn Cy Young Award votes. Mus neavei. Against the Oakland Athletics on August 22, Ryan struck out Rickey Henderson in the fifth inning to become the first pitcher ever to record 5,000 career strikeouts. Mus kasaicus. In 1989, he won 16 games and led the league with 301 strikeouts. Mus sorella. With more run support than he had in 1987, Ryan had a number of fine seasons for the Rangers. Mus mahomet. Others predicted he would do well as American League batters hadn't faced "The Express" since 1979. Mus orangiae. Many observers, keeping in mind that the aging Ryan had been pitching home games in the air-conditioned Astrodome, thought he would struggle by having to pitch outdoors in the oppressive Texas heat. Mus minutoides. He left Houston in a contract dispute after the 1988 season and joined the Texas Rangers, back in the American League. Mus musculoides. The poor record most likely cost him the Cy Young Award, an honor he contended for many times but never won. Mus setzeri. However, Ryan received horrendous offensive support all season, and finished with a record of 8-16. Mus indutus. He was by far the most dominant pitcher in the National League, leading the league in ERA (2.76) and strikeouts (270) at the age of 40. Mus mattheyi. In 1987, Ryan had one of the most bizarre seasons in baseball history. Mus haussa. After that, Ryan then settled into having a long string of good, but not great seasons, highlighted by his breaking Walter Johnson's all-time strikeout record on April 27, 1983, with his 3,509th whiff. Mus tenellus. That season, he won the National League ERA title with a miserly 1.69. Mus bufo. On September 26, 1981, Ryan threw his fifth no-hitter to finally break Koufax's mark. Mus triton. He got his second taste of postseason play in 1980, but the Astros were stopped one game short of the World Series. Mus setulosus. It was the first home run of his career (he only hit one more), and garnered 3 of the 6 RBI's he would get that year. Mus callewaerti. The normally light-hitting Ryan got his 'Stros years started with a bang in a nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12, 1980, in which he hit a 3-run home run off future fellow Hall of Famer Don Sutton. Subgenus Nannomys
Mus spicelegus. The most widely quoted response is Nolan Ryan. Mus macedonicus. Fans, researchers, historians and even the players argue all the time about who was the fastest pitcher of all-time. Mus spretus. In 1974 he twice struck out 19 batters, a record which wasn't broken until Roger Clemens struck out 20 in a 1986 game. Mus musculus. He led the league in strikeouts seven times in the 1970s. Mus terricolor. He threw two no-hitters in 1973, added a third in 1974 and a fourth in 1975, tying another of Koufax' records. Mus booduga. This record was made even more impressive by the fact that he achieved it in the first year of the designated hitter in the American League; if AL pitchers had still been hitting, Ryan would almost certainly have topped 400 strikeouts that season. Mus cookii. In 1973, he set his first record when he struck out 383 batters in one season, eclipsing Sandy Koufax's old mark by one. Mus cervicolor. Even though the Angels were a sub-.500 team and remained one for most of his time there, he began winning between 19 and 22 games a season regularly. Mus caroli. Ryan truly blossomed as a pitcher after being traded to the California Angels in 1972. Subgenus Mus
Mus crociduroides. He didn't make the majors for good until the 1968 season, and even then was unable to crack an outstanding Mets pitching staff led by Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. Mus pahari. However, Ryan struggled for a number of years and was even sent back to the minor leagues a few times because of his inability to find the strike zone. Mus mayori. He developed his dazzling fastball as a high school pitcher in Texas, which impressed the New York Mets enough to draft him in 1965 and promote him to the major leagues late in 1966. Subgenus Coelomys
Mus fernandoni. . Mus shortridgei. Only Smokey Joe Wood, Walter Johnson, Satchel Paige, and Sandy Koufax are thought to have nearly equalled his velocity; the strikeout king to this day. Mus philipsi. He is considered by many to have been the fastest pitcher of all time. Mus saxicola. The media tagged him with the nickname "The Ryan Express", referencing a 1965 action-adventure film called Von Ryan's Express. Mus platythrix. He was most noted for his blazing fastball and his longevity, routinely throwing pitches exceeding 100 mph, even into his forties. Subgenus Pyromys
Short lifespan. Frequent reproduction. Easily subject to disease when without optimal care. Frequent eye infections under stress. Nocturnal. Small and quite fragile (not as easy to handle as a dog or a cat). Socially self-sufficient (when in a group of other mice). Clean (contrary to popular belief). Inexpensive. Entertaining and affectionate. Minimal shedding and allergens. Another excellent litter available is chopped-up dried corn cobs. The most popular is Carefresh bedding. A fairly new product in the market is recycled virgin wood pulp, an environmentally-friendly, safe, clean, and efficient product. Cedar or pine should not be used because it contains harmful oils that can damage any rodent's respiratory system. Bedding- Usually hardwoods, such as aspen. Food- Special pelleted and seed-based food is available. Cage- Usually a hamster or gerbil cage, but special mouse cages are now available. |