Pied pipers, bagels and tortillas: the secret life of rats and rodents

Authors

  • Gloria Tapia Ramírez El Colegio de la Frontera Sur
  • Aarón Hernández Núñez Instituto Politécnico Nacional

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22201/cuaieed.16076079e.2021.22.4.5

Keywords:

rodents, synanthropy, wild rodents, diseases

Abstract

Rats and mice are highly integrated in the human imagery. There are a lot of myths and legends around their habits and their relationships with other animals. Some cultures think about them as deities; others, consider them as despicable animals. Rats and mice have lived with humanity throughout history, and they shared a common bond, even in public health aspects. In this text, we compiled data about the myths of rodents and clarify them with current scientific information. Also, we explain the role of rodents in the natural ecosystems and their very important role in human health.

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Author Biographies

Gloria Tapia Ramírez, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur

Bióloga egresada del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), doctorante en El Colegio de la Frontera Sur en Chiapas. Su principal objeto de estudio son los roedores y su relación con las características ambientales. Ha desarrollado este tema desde hace diez años.

Aarón Hernández Núñez, Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Es un biólogo mexicano, egresado de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco. Su principal interés es el estudio de la fauna silvestre y sus parásitos. Actualmente es estudiante del Doctorado en Ciencias Marinas en el Cinvestav, Unidad Mérida.

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Published

2021-07-05