The term Suborder Myomorpha refers to a group of rodents commonly known as mice and rats. These small rodents belong to the family Muridae, and are among the most common mammals on the planet. Synonyms for this suborder include the name "muroid rodents," as well as the more specific names such as Muriformes and Myomorphia. These names all refer to the same group of rodents, which are characterized by their small size, large ears, and long tails. While often regarded as pests, mice and rats have played important roles in medical research, and are also important prey animals for many larger predators.