What does gerbil mean?

What does gerbil mean?

: a small Old World leaping desert rodent that is often kept as a pet. gerbil.

Is a gerbil a rat?

Yes, gerbils are rodents, the same as other pets such as mice and rats. The Rodents (Order Rodentia, scientifically speaking) are the largest group of mammals in the animal kingdom, with several hundred species. They range from tiny hamsters like the Roborovski, to the huge Capybara.

What animal family is a gerbil?

Murids
Mongolian gerbil/Family

Gerbils constitute the subfamily Gerbillinae of the family Muridae within the order Rodentia. Their closest relatives are species of the extinct genus Myocricetodon, represented by fossils extending back to the Middle Miocene Epoch (16.4 million to 11.2 million years ago) in Africa and Eurasia.

Are gerbils hamsters?

A Gerbil is a small rodent like a hamster, but the two species have different needs. Hamsters are nocturnal, which means they’ll become active later in the evening. This means they are not the best choice for young children, as there won’t be much time for the child to play with their pet, and the animal become lonely.

What’s another word for gerbil?

In this page you can discover 13 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for gerbil, like: gerbille, gerbils, cat, chinchilla, degus, hamster, rabbit, ferret, degu, guinea-pig and tortoise.

Whats the difference between a rat and a gerbil?

Differences. Rats are significantly bigger than gerbils, reaching up to eight inches long, and with a long tail to match. Rats kept in captivity tend to live for around two years, but can sometimes live up to five. Gerbils, depending on the species, have a lifespan of between two and eight years.

What animals eat gerbils?

What are some predators of Gerbils? Predators of Gerbils include birds, snakes, and wildcats.

Are gerbils part of the rodent family?

Mongolian gerbil/Family

Can gerbils live with guinea pigs?

Gerbils and guinea pigs cannot play together. They are different species, so they can only see each other as enemies competing for resources. They will spend their time fighting, not playing. And both gerbils and guinea pigs can play with people, provided that they trust them.

What’s the difference between a mouse and a gerbil?

Gerbils and mice are two of the most popular kinds of pet rodents. [A mouse’s ears are much bigger and rounder than a gerbil’s. A gerbil’s tail is fatter and furrier than a mouse’s, and common gerbils are sandy gold (agouti) while mice are darker brown. Gerbils dig deep burrows, while mice don’t.

What does the word ‘gerbil’ mean?

Definition of gerbil. : any of numerous Old World burrowing desert rodents (Gerbillus and related genera) with long hind legs adapted for leaping.

What does the name gerbil mean?

Wiktionary (0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: gerbil(Noun) To rotate inside a monowheel or similar apparatus due to sudden acceleration or braking. gerbil(Noun) One of several species of small, jumping, murine rodents, of the genus Gerbillus. gerbil(Noun) To insert a small animal into the rectum of a person.

What is the plural of gerbil?

Answer The plural form of gerbil is gerbils.