Are rodents considered vertebrates?

Rodents are indeed considered vertebrates because they belong to the class Mammalia, which is part of the phylum Chordata. Vertebrates are characterized by having a backbone or spinal column, and all members of the class Mammalia, including rodents, possess this feature.

The rodent family includes animals such as mice, rats, squirrels, and porcupines, all of which have a well-defined vertebral column. This classification is consistent across all species of rodents, meaning that the categorization of rodents as vertebrates applies universally to the entire group. This understanding is foundational in fields such as biology and pest management, where knowledge of animal classifications can impact control strategies and ecological considerations.