Which rodent has a short tail and small ears?

The meadow mouse, commonly known as the voles, is characterized by its short tail and small ears, which distinguish it from other rodents. This physical appearance is particularly adaptive for living in grassy areas where they build their nests close to the surface. The shorter tail provides better balance and mobility in their burrowed environments, while the small ears are less prominent and help minimize exposure to predators.

In contrast to the meadow mouse, the house mouse typically has a longer tail and larger ears, which are more adapted for their lifestyle of climbing and navigating various environments. The deer mouse features larger ears and a relatively long tail, which aids in their agility and ability to escape from threats. The roof rat also has a long tail and large ears, which are conducive to its arboreal lifestyle. These differences in physical characteristics highlight the meadow mouse's unique adaptations to its habitat and life strategy, reinforcing why it is the correct answer to the question regarding rodents with a short tail and small ears.