What is a significant characteristic of rats concerning their senses?

Rats possess an extremely keen sense of smell, which is one of their most notable characteristics. This acute olfactory ability plays a crucial role in their survival and behavior. It allows them to detect food, identify predators, and communicate with each other through scent marking. Their sense of smell is approximately 40 times more sensitive than that of humans, enabling them to detect various pheromones and potential hazards in their environment.

This characteristic is central not only to their scavenging habits but also to various studies in behavioral research, where their responses to different scents can indicate preferences or aversions. Their reliance on smell over sight further emphasizes how essential this sense is to their daily activities and overall survival. Understanding this trait is vital for environmental health specialists, especially when dealing with pest control and management strategies for rat populations.