Small animals leave big impact on human lives

The smallest of creatures have changed the world, and they can change your life.

By: Alexis Harris, Staff Writer

Small rodents have contributed so much to humanity. They deserve so much more respect than what they are currently getting in society today. 

Mice share about 80 percent of DNA with humans, reacting in a very similar way to humans when sick, making them extremely useful in experiments and testing for cures for diseases and genetic illnesses.  

Alexis Harris for The Valley

Monica J. Justice, M.D., who is considered one of the pioneers of mice trials and has made discoveries in gene functions through mice trials, said, “The mouse is the only mammal that provides such a rich resource of genetic diversity coupled with the potential for extensive genome manipulation, and is therefore a powerful application for modelling human disease.” 

Mice and rats in scientific medical experiments have led to the discoveries of the flu vaccine, HIV antiretrovirals and even drugs for cancer. However, these primitive experiments are increasingly facing ethical scrutiny, as awareness of animal sentience grows. This is nonetheless a testament to how resilient and powerful mice have been throughout history.

Rats and mice possess extreme intelligence and can learn complex skills, from solving mazes to driving toy cars. This is why laboratories frequently use them in experiments.

It may also come as a surprise to many people, but rats are among one of the most intelligent species of mammal on Earth. The National Library of Medicine says, “Indeed, rats are adept at exploiting procedural loopholes and confounded variables overlooked by human test designers.” They can recognize and love you, maybe even more than a dog or cat ever could.

Mice also boast intelligence; they are often used in experiments for psychology due to their extremely resilient minds and their amazing brain capacities. 

Hamsters are capable of forming unbreakable bonds with their owners. If treated and handled properly, hamsters can become snuggly and protective of their owners. Hamsters also dream and experience nightmares, often seeking out their owners for comfort and security. 

Do not let the pet stores convince you that these little guys are nothing more than “starter” or “throwaway” pets. Before bringing a small animal home, do research on their well-being and their care. Though small, these animals are not at all “cheap and easy” pets; they need vet care, large enclosures and plenty of healthy food and enrichment in their enclosures.

Rodents do not live for very long. While they may be a simple blip in the span of your life, if they are lucky, you are there for the whole of theirs. So, treat them right. Give them the love, care and attention they deserve.