Hamster Taxonomic Classification & Key Characteristics
Hamsters belong to the following taxonomic hierarchy and exhibit distinct traits across species. Below is a detailed breakdown:
I. Taxonomic Hierarchy (Kingdom to Genus)
The classification of hamsters follows the standard biological taxonomic system, as outlined below:
Kingdom: Animalia (Animal Kingdom)
Phylum: Chordata (Chordates)
Class: Mammalia (Mammals)
Order: Rodentia (Rodents)
Family: Cricetidae (Cricetid Rodents)
Subfamily: Cricetinae (Hamster Subfamily)
Genus: Comprises 7 genera, including Cricetulus (true hamsters) and Phodopus (dwarf desert hamsters), among others.
II. Key Physical & Biological Traits
Hamsters are recognized by unique features that adapt them to their natural and captive environments:
Cheek Pouches: They have expandable cheek pouches on both sides of the face, used for temporarily storing food to transport back to their burrows.
Body Shape: Stocky build with short, stubby tails. Their fur comes in a wide range of colors, including brown, gray, white, and variegated patterns (e.g., agouti, albino).
Size & Lifespan:
Typical weight: 30–1,000 grams (varies drastically by breed—dwarf hamsters are smaller, while Syrian hamsters are the largest common pet species).
Average lifespan: 2–5 years in captivity. With optimal care (proper diet, housing, and veterinary attention), some individuals may live over 10 years.
III. Representative Species
The following are the most common hamster species kept as pets or studied in biology:
Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus): Also known as the "golden hamster," it is the largest and most popular pet hamster species.
Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus campbelli): Commonly called the "three-line hamster" (named for the three dark stripes on its back).
Roborovski Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii): Also referred to as the "Robo hamster" or "dwarf desert hamster," it is the smallest and fastest of the common pet hamster species.