Robert Liu, assistant professor of biology at Emory University, and one of the world's leading experts on mouse vocalizations, was impressed by the new study, which he said "did a nice job in analyzing the sounds."
Liu, however, told Animal Planet News that he is not yet fully convinced that mice sing.
In a twist on, "Does a tree make a sound if no one hears it fall?" Liu wonders if a male mouse sings if a female listener does not demonstrate some clearly defined behavioral response.
Liu said, "The vocalizations do show some structural similarities to songs, but we need to find out how females perceive the sounds if we are to conclusively say that male mice sing."
In addition to learning more about rodents, both Liu and Holy hope that such research will reveal how pattern recognition and learning work in all mammals, including humans.
Primary Classification: Rattus (Rats)
Location: Worldwide
Habitat: Areas populated by humans, as well as forests and deserts.
Diet: Omnivorous
Size: Up to 10 inches in length and 1 lb in weight.
Description: Large, dark eyes; pointy noses; cupped ears; short fine hair on tails; long, slender bodies; back legs longer and stronger than their front legs; clawed feet covered with short, silky fur.
Cool Facts: They have glands on the bottom of their feet, so they leave a wet scent trail wherever they walk. They use their tails for many functions including balance, temperature control and communication.
Conservation Status: Common
