Yes, hamsters belong to the order Rodentia and are typical rodents. Their taxonomic characteristics and biological traits are as follows:
1. Taxonomic Positioning
Classification Hierarchy
Hamsters fall under the class Mammalia → order Rodentia → family Cricetidae. They share the same order but belong to different families as house mice (Muridae family) and voles (Microtus genus, Cricetidae family).
Subfamilies, Genera, and Species
The Cricetinae (hamster subfamily) is a subfamily within the Cricetidae family, consisting of 7 genera and 18 species—including Syrian hamsters (golden hamsters) and dwarf hamsters. In China, there are 3 genera and 9 species of hamsters.
2. Rodent-Specific Traits
Dental Structure
Hamsters exhibit the classic rodent trait of continuously growing incisors. The cusps of their first and second maxillary molars are arranged in two vertical rows or triangular prisms, making them well-suited for gnawing on hard foods like seeds and grains.
Physiological Adaptations
Cheek Pouches: Hamsters have expandable cheek pouches on both sides of their face, used for storing food and transporting it back to their nests.
Short Tails: A hamster’s tail is typically less than half the length of its body, lacks scale rings, and is covered in dense fur.
3. Differences from Other Rodents
Comparison with Muridae (Mouse/Rat Family)
Hamsters (Cricetidae) have a stockier build and diverse fur colors (e.g., golden, white, tabby patterns), while Muridae species (e.g., house mice) have monotonous fur colors (gray/black) and slender tails.
Hamsters have large, round eyes, whereas Muridae animals have smaller eyes and longer whiskers.
Comparison with Squirrels, Guinea Pigs, etc.
While they all belong to the order Rodentia, they differ in family: Squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family, and guinea pigs belong to the suborder Hystricomorpha.
Summary
Hamsters are members of the Cricetidae family within the Rodentia order. They possess typical rodent traits (e.g., continuously growing incisors, cheek pouches), but it is important to note their taxonomic differences from animals in the Muridae family.