More Than Just Pests: 7 Surprising Ways Rodents Actually Shape Ecosystems

Genetic Dispersal and Evolution

Rodents, with their high reproductive rates and mobility, play a role in the genetic dispersal and evolution of both plant and animal species. As they move through their habitats, rodents inadvertently transport seeds, spores, and even small invertebrates, facilitating gene flow across populations. This movement can lead to increased genetic diversity, which is vital for species adaptation and resilience to environmental changes. Moreover, the selective pressures exerted by rodent predation and herbivory can drive evolutionary changes in other species, highlighting their influence on the evolutionary trajectories within ecosystems.