Understanding Rats in India

In India, rats hold cultural significance, especially in Hinduism, where they are seen as sacred and companions of the god Ganesh. This reverence contributes to their unchecked population growth, as killing them is against religious beliefs. Rats reproduce rapidly, with a single pair potentially producing 15,000 descendants in a year. They live in burrows, which they constantly expand, helping to maintain their dental health. The accidental encounters of alpha males can further increase their population, leading to significant ecological impacts.

In Hinduism, rats are considered companions of which deity?

• Shiva

• Ganesh

• Vishnu

• Lakshmi

What is the cultural significance of rats in India?

• They are a popular pet

• They are considered sacred

• They are seen as pests

• They are used for scientific research

Tags

CCSS.HSF-LE.A.1B

How many babies can a single mother rat potentially have in a year?

• 300

• 200

• 144

• 72

At what age do baby rats start reproducing?

• 4 months

• 2 months

• 1 month

• 3 months

What is the estimated number of descendants a single rat couple can produce in a year?

• 15,000

• 20,000

• 10,000

• 5,000

What is the primary reason rats need to constantly remodel their burrows?

• To find food

• To avoid predators

• To prevent their teeth from growing too long

• To stay warm

What is a potential outcome of two alpha male rats encountering each other?

• They avoid each other

• They share resources

• They form a new colony

• They fight, leading to more offspring