mouse like mammal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "mouse like mammal crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by length, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "mouse like mammal crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VOLE: A small, rodent-like mammal closely related to mice and hamsters, often found in fields and near water.
5 Letters
SHREW: A small, mouselike mammal with a pointed snout and tiny eyes, often mistaken for a mouse but belonging to a different order (Soricomorpha).
6 Letters
JERBOA: A nocturnal, desert-dwelling rodent known for its very long hind legs and hopping gait, resembling a kangaroo mouse.
7 Letters
LEMMING: A small rodent, native to the Arctic tundra, known for its cyclic population booms and for resembling a stout mouse.
More About "mouse like mammal crossword clue"
The clue "mouse like mammal" often points to a variety of small, ground-dwelling creatures that share superficial resemblances with the common house mouse. While true mice are part of the Muridae family, crossword setters frequently use this descriptor to refer to other small mammals that might fit the visual or ecological niche of a mouse, even if they're not closely related scientifically.
Answers such as VOLE and LEMMING are indeed rodents, similar to mice in their gnawing teeth and diet. However, SHREW, despite its appearance, is not a rodent but an insectivore, possessing a more pointed snout and very different dental structure. This biological distinction is usually overlooked in crosswords, where the visual "mouse-like" quality is the primary key.
When encountering this clue, consider the letter count first. If it's a shorter answer, like 4 or 5 letters, VOLE or SHREW are strong contenders. For longer answers, less common but equally "mouse-like" creatures like JERBOA or LEMMING might be the solution, especially if other crossing letters suggest them.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is often the most direct way to narrow down possibilities for clues like "mouse like mammal."
- Analyze Adjacent Clues: The letters revealed by intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly confirm or rule out potential answers.
- Think Beyond Rodents: While many "mouse-like" answers are rodents, remember that some, like the shrew, are not. Crossword setters are often looking for superficial resemblance rather than strict biological classification.
- Familiarity with Common Answers: Over time, you'll notice recurring answers for similar clues. "Vole" and "Shrew" are very common in this category due to their small size and resemblance.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common "mouse-like mammals" found in crosswords?
Common answers for "mouse-like mammal" in crosswords often include VOLE, SHREW, and LEMMING. These are small, often burrowing mammals that share superficial similarities with mice.
How can I distinguish between similar small mammal clues?
Pay attention to the number of letters, any additional descriptors in the clue (e.g., 'desert hopper' for JERBOA, 'arctic rodent' for LEMMING), and surrounding letters in the grid. Knowing specific characteristics of each animal (like shrews having pointed snouts) can also help.
Are shrews and voles true rodents?
While voles are rodents (Order Rodentia), shrews are not. Shrews belong to the order Eulipotyphla, making them more closely related to moles and hedgehogs, despite their mouse-like appearance.