Which rodent weighs between 12-20 oz and has a scaly hairless tail shorter than its body?

The correct answer is based on the identification characteristics of the Norway rat. Norway rats typically weigh between 12 to 20 ounces, fitting the specified weight range. One of the distinguishing features of Norway rats is their shorter tail, which is scaly and hairless, often measuring shorter than their body length. This unique tail compared to the body size helps differentiate the Norway rat from other rodent species.

In contrast, the house mouse is generally much lighter, usually weighing around 0.5 to 1 ounce, and has a longer tail relative to its body. The roof rat, while it can be similar in size, usually has a longer, more elongated body with a longer tail. The field mouse also tends to be smaller and has a fur-covered tail that does not fit the description provided. Thus, the characteristics of the Norway rat align perfectly with the details given in the question.