According to the National Park Service (NPS), the kangaroo rat (shown above) is neither a rat nor a mouse; it's related to the pocket gopher! These unique creatures have adaptions that make their desert habitat perfect for their continued existence.

Question

Which of the following adaptations MOST increase the survival of the kangaroo rat in its desert habitat?
small ears; brown & white fur
hind legs; cheek pouches
bushy tail; large eyes
claws to burrow; metabolize water from seeds

Answer 1

The adaptations that MOST increase the survival of the kangaroo rat in its desert habitat are claws to burrow; metabolize water from seeds.

Claws allow them to dig burrows, which provide shelter from extreme temperatures and predators, while their ability to metabolize water from seeds helps them survive in arid environments where free-standing water is scarce. These adaptations are crucial for their survival in desert conditions.