How do rabbits' grazing habits differ from deer's browsing habits concerning aster foliage?
Answer
Rabbits are close-to-the-ground grazers consuming lower foliage, whereas deer are typically browsers looking at height.
There is a distinct difference in the feeding styles between deer and rabbits when interacting with garden plants like asters. Deer are described as browsers, meaning their feeding behavior generally focuses on vegetation accessible at their height level. In contrast, rabbits function as grazers that operate close to the ground. This means rabbits may target and consume the lower foliage or the new, tender growth emerging near the base of the aster plant, which is often overlooked or inaccessible to the browsing deer population.
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