Mus

Mus is a genus of small- to medium-sized rodents in the family Muridae, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The best-known member is Mus musculus, the house mouse, a widespread species and a primary model organism in biology.

Mus musculus has two well-defined subspecies, Mus musculus domesticus and Mus musculus musculus, which form a hybrid zone in parts of Europe and Asia. Other species in the genus include Mus spretus (Algerian mouse), Mus macedonicus (Macedonian mouse), and Mus minutoides (African pygmy mouse).

Physically, Mus species are small, with slender bodies, a pointed snout, large ears, and a relatively long tail. Body length commonly ranges from 6 to 9 cm, with tails similar in length; weights typically lie between 12 and 30 grams.

Ecology and behavior: these mice are primarily nocturnal, opportunistic omnivores, and highly reproductive. Gestation lasts about 19–21 days, with litters averaging several offspring. They are adept at exploiting human-modified habitats and are often considered pests; natural predators include owls, snakes, and small carnivores.

In science, Mus musculus is a dominant model organism. Its genome has been sequenced, and it is widely used to study genetics, neurobiology, immunology, and development, contributing to advances in medicine and basic biology.

Conservation status varies among species; most are not globally threatened, but some have restricted ranges and face habitat loss or competition from invasive species.