Search results
Lemming. A lemming is a small rodent, usually found in or near the Arctic in tundra biomes. Lemmings form the subfamily Arvicolinae (also known as Microtinae) together with voles and muskrats, which form part of the superfamily Muroidea, which also includes rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils.
Lemmings are small rodents that migrate in herds and have a large population boom every few years. They do not commit suicide, but they do drown when they reach a water obstacle. The myth of mass lemming suicide is based on some actual lemming behaviors and a fraudulent film.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Apr 26, 2024 · Lemmings are small rodents that live in the Northern Hemisphere and some species migrate in large groups. Learn about their habitats, diets, breeding, and the myth of their suicidal death march.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Lemmings are small rodents who live in tunnel systems under the snow in Scandinavia and Russia. They migrate every few years when their population explodes, often jumping off cliffs or drowning in water. They are herbivores, eat moss and grass, and have a short tail and a flattened claw. Learn more about their description, habitat, diet, behaviour and conservation status.
- 1-2 years
- 8-20 cm long
- They do not hibernate. Unlike other rodents, lemmings do not hibernate in the winter and remain active all year round. They accomplish this by traversing through tunnels and channels beneath the snow.
- Lemmings do not commit mass suicides. In a 1958 Disney documentary, White Wilderness, lemmings were shown hurling themselves off cliffs, into the sea, and drowning.
- Lemmings do not ‘explode’, but can be aggressive! This is another hilarious myth! While aggressive and territorial, lemmings do not explode when they are angry.
- Lemming populations frequently fluctuate. The population dynamics of lemmings have been of interest to researchers for quite some time. It is well established that population numbers frequently fluctuate.
People also ask
What does a lemming look like?
What are some interesting facts about lemmings?
How big do Lemmings get?
Where do Lemmings live?
Lemmings are small rodents with short legs, small ears, and long, soft fur. They have regular population fluctuations and migrate in spring and fall, but not in a deliberate death march. Learn more about their characteristics, distribution, and examples of lemmings from Britannica.
Mar 10, 2016 · Lemmings are small rodents that live in the Arctic tundra and have a rather strange reputation for jumping off cliffs. Learn about their scientific name, species, appearance, habitat, diet, behaviour and population booms. Discover how lemmings are related to voles and muskrats and why they are important for the ecosystem.
