Eli5: How did Rats end up being domesticated by humans?

Question

Eli5: How did Rats end up being domesticated by humans?

In: 50

Answer 1

Selective breeding for desired traits the same way you do for any species. Rats can have babies by 3 months so you can select the rats that have your desired traits and breed pretty quickly. Rats that don’t have your desired traits don’t get to breed and/or are used for other purposes.

Answer 2

Selective breeding for desired traits the same way you do for any species. Rats can have babies by 3 months so you can select the rats that have your desired traits and breed pretty quickly. Rats that don’t have your desired traits don’t get to breed and/or are used for other purposes.