Template:Getting started

The hierarchy of biological classification's eight major taxonomic ranks. An order contains one or more families. Intermediate minor rankings are not shown.

Identifying some species of rodents, shrews, or moles can be a bit tricky (even for experts) due to the variety of species that can share similar features. However, by focusing on characteristics such as size, body shape, coloration, dentition, and skull characteristics, as well as known range, it's possible to narrow the seemingly overwhelming list of potential species down to one or just a few possibilities. For some species though, it will be impossible to be certain of an identification without genetic or karyotype (chromosome) analysis. Successful identification requires not only recognizing what species it could be, but also eliminating all other possibilities. So, it is important to examine all possibilities within range.

A basic understanding of taxonomy is helpful for species identification because it provides a structured system for classifying and naming organisms, allowing us to recognize relationships between different species, making it easier to accurately identify and differentiate species. At each taxonomic level, the members in that group are more closely related to each other and share more similar characteristics than other individuals outside that group. Mammals (class Mammalia) is a class of animal (kingdom Animalia) within the phylum Chordata. Within Mammalia, this website focuses on two orders of small mammals found in North America: Eulipotyphla (shrews and moles) and Rodentia (rodents). Below the order level are family then genus then species.

A scientific name (or binomial name) includes the generic (genus) name and specific (species) name. For example, the scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens. Scientific names are always italicized with only the first letter of the genus capitalized. Often, you may see the genus abbreviated to just the first letter followed by a period. This is done to save space and is only done after the full scientific name has been introduced. For example, if Homo sapiens needs to be referred to multiple times on a page, the scientific name may be shortened to H. sapiens.

Subspecies is a taxonomic rank below species used for populations of the same species that live in different areas and vary in size or other physical characteristic. Not all species have recognized subspecies. For the most part, subspecies are not described on WhiskerWiki unless the subspecies are remarkably different or important for understanding recent taxonomic changes. If a subspecies is being referenced, it will appear in one or more of the following written formats (using species Sorex longirostris as an example here): Sorex longirostris subspecies eionis, Sorex longirostris subsp. eionis, Sorex longirostris ssp. eionis, or simply Sorex longirostris eionis all together.

A couple terms that are commonly used throughout this website and that you should be familiar with are: sympatric (overlapping in distribution), allopatric (occurring in separate, non-overlapping geographical areas), dorsal (of, on, or relating to the upper side or back of an animal or structure), lateral (of or relating to the side), ventral (of or relating to the belly: abdominal; being or located near, on, or toward the lower surface of an animal or structure), venter (the underside or abdomen of an animal), and pelage (the fur, hair, or wool of a mammal). A Glossary is available, if you get stuck. While we have made an effort to avoid technical jargon, in some cases it is absolutely necessary to use for accurately describing the type or location of a character. Do not feel discouraged by technical jargon. It can take a little time and practice to master so hang in there. If you see a section that you feel could be made more clear and easier to understand, please fill out the user feedback form and let us know.

If you have a small mammal in hand or a photograph of the small mammal, and you are not sure if it is a rodent, mole, or shrew, we recommend starting on the Family comparisons page to help orient you to the characteristics of each family (e.g. shrews, moles, jumping mice, pocket mice). The Species comparisons page provides a photographic comparison of each species of shrew, mole, and small rodent in the Unite Images on the Species comparison page may allow you to be confident in a species identification, but consider clicking on the scientific name of the species and you will be directed to more information on how to identify that species and differentiate it from similar looking species. Another option is to explore the range maps to determine all of the possible shrew, mole, and small rodent species within your area of interest.

If you have a skull in hand, we recommend starting on the Skull comparisons page to narrow down the list of potential species to the family or genus level.