What distinguishes the House Mouse from other rodent species?

The House Mouse is distinguished from other rodent species by its nearly hairless tail, which features scale rings. This tail is an important identifying characteristic of the House Mouse, as it sets it apart from many other rodents that typically have fur-covered tails. The nearly hairless tail serves several purposes, including balance and thermoregulation.

In contrast, the other characteristics associated with the listed options do not accurately describe the House Mouse. For instance, a furry tail and large body size would be more akin to another species, undermining the key identification feature of the House Mouse. Additionally, while House Mice may consume a variety of food, including grains and proteins, they do not primarily eat fruits and seeds, which does not set this species apart distinctly. Lastly, the notion that they construct nests from plastic materials isn't an identifying trait; House Mice are generally more adaptive and can use a variety of materials found in their environment to make nests. Thus, the unique trait of a nearly hairless tail with scale rings is what accurately defines the House Mouse.