The researchers based their hypothesis on rats’ proven ability to infiltrate most major landmasses and islands on the planet, as well as their persistence throughout the world despite widespread attempts tocontrol their populations. Other animals, such as cats and feral pigs, also do well in diverse ecosystems around the world, but they are not as widespread as rats. In the event of a mass extinction caused either by human activity or a catastrophic event, rats are theoretically the most likely mammals to be spared, given their wide extent and ability to cope in varied conditions, Zalasiewicz said.

Oversized Rats Could Take Over Earth After Next Mass Extinction

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