Will large rodents rule the planet one day?

What are the Largest Rodents?

"What are the largest rodents?" There are about 2,277 species of rodents. Among the largest commn rodents are beavers and chipmunks. However, most people associate the term "rodent" with rats or mice. The largest rats are giant rats — 82 cm (32 inches) long, found living in New Guinea. The Capybara is a member of the rat family and can grow to 4' long and anywhere between 75 and 100 pounds.

An extinct relative of the rat, Josephoartigasia monesi, was as big as a bull, but lived over 2 million years ago and may have weighed in at close to a ton.