Mice

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The mouse, bearing the scientific name Mus musculus (interesting

in light of the fact that the Great Blue Whale's scientific name

is Balenoptera musculus!), is thought to have originated in

Asia.  Its tremendous adaptability, long-time association with

people and our dwellings, and unbelievably prolific breeding

potential (one reference cites one million descendants from one

breeding pair in 1 1/2 years!) has allowed mice to enjoy a

worldwide distribution.  Mice are timid, social and territorial

animals that spend a disproportionate amount of time in the wild

pursuing an omnivorous (animal and plant material) diet.  Feeding

is most often carried out at night to escape predation.

Laboratory and pet mice are not strictly nocturnal (night-active)

but tend to exhibit alternating periods of activity and rest

throughout the day and night.



In the wild, mice may exhibit aggression among themselves,

though establishment of a social pecking order tends to reduce

this potentially injurious behavior.  Individual males apparently

dominate groups of mice using this social pecking order.  Females

with litters may fight to defend their nests.



Domestication and intensive breeding of mice have resulted in a

tremendous genetic diversity of mouse populations.  The Swiss

Albino mouse has become one of the most popular strains for pets,

but many others are commonly used in this capacity.