To a GIANT mouse

A cryptozoologist asks

I was recently sent this photo of what appears to be a giant wood mouse. Can your panel of experts suggest why this mouse has grown so big ? Is it due to global warming ?

 

Jul 16th, 2008

11 lacklustre pieces of inspiration on “To a GIANT mouse”

  1. A big things expert Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    Disnae look that muckle tae me!

  2. Consultant G Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    Ah, what we have here is a problem of scale. Perhaps if the crytopzoologist had given some indication of the size of the beastie we would be able to respond better. To quote Consultant L’s comment (it is the only way he will ever get a comment here) from an unrelated discussion “Why are punters so poor at size/distance estimates? eg pussy cats becoming black panthers.”
    So, if you think you have seen an eagle or black panther, think twice and try and get an objective, measurable estimate of size (perhaps compare it to something else you can measure at a later time). After all, blokes like woman with small hands.

  3. Bob Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    There is an established correlation between size and latitude in many species. One theory is that the reduced surface area to volume ratio of the larger beastie helps conserve energy but as with most simple explanations of observed trends in biogeography, there are enough exceptions to suggest that it may be pish. Is the mouse large because it contains many small mice?

  4. Carl Bergmann Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    Thanks Bod - this is indeed an established generality. Do we know the latitude at which this photo was taken ?
    Is it relevant ?
    Is there also a general rule regarding animals appearing larger when they contains many small animals ?

    Interesting pregnant pause there.

  5. M Ouse Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 3:32 pm

    my stones are about 56.3975 latitude and should you wish to visit about -3.4352 Long

  6. Mic Rotus Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

    Ah, the mouse can type. Can I ask what size you are (in SI units please).

  7. M Ouse Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 9:40 am

    NEVER ASK A WOMAN HER WEIGHT! Rude boy, next thing you will be asking my age

  8. Jump Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Sorry - just wanted it to say jump onto a giant mouse on the left

  9. Carl Bergman Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    Sorry Bob - I wrote Bod by mistake.

  10. Grafting ears Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Hey - search for ‘giant wood mouse’ in google !

  11. A big things expert Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    I still want to know what evidence the “cryptozoologist” has for suggesting this mouse is anything other than normal size.

    I know about big things, and that mouse don’t look big!

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