Rats have been found to have some of the fastest basal metabolic rates (BMRs) of any mammal. In fact one study found that their BMRs were more than double that of some other mammals such as humans. This high metabolism is thought to be due to their high body temperature which helps them to maintain their body temperature in cold environments.
One study found that the average BMR of a rat was between 70 and 80 kcal/day. This is much higher than the average BMR of a human which is only about 35 kcal/day. This means that rats have a much higher metabolism than humans and they burn more calories even when they are at rest.
This high metabolism is thought to be one of the reasons why rats are able to live in such a wide range of environments. Their high BMR allows them to generate enough heat to stay warm in cold climates and their small size means that they don’t need as much food as other mammals.
If you’re interested in learning more about basal metabolic rates or you want to find out the BMR of other animals check out this article from Science Daily.
What is the average lifespan of a rat?
3 years
How much can a rat eat in a day?
A rat can eat about 15% of its body weight in a day.
Where do most rats live?
Most rats live in the wild.
What is the longest recorded lifespan of a rat?
The longest recorded lifespan of a rat is 7 years.
How much does the average rat weigh?
The average rat weighs about 500 grams.
What is the average litter size of a rat?
The average litter size of a rat is 10.
How many times can a rat mate in one day?
A rat can mate up to 8 times in one day.
How long is a rat pregnant for?
22 days
How many babies can a rat have in one litter?
A rat can have up to 12 babies in one litter.
What is the weaning weight of a rat?
The weaning weight of a rat is about 200 grams.
When do rats reach sexual maturity?
Rats reach sexual maturity at about 8 weeks old.
How often do rats go into heat?
Rats go into heat every 4 to 5 days.
How long does a rat stay in heat for?
A rat stays in heat for about 12 hours.
What is the gestation period of a rat?
22 days
How many young does the average rat have per year?
The average rat has about 5 to 6 young per year.
