How does the lifestyle of the *Xerus* genus contrast significantly with many tree squirrels?
Answer
*Xerus* is almost exclusively terrestrial, spending its life near or in the ground
A fundamental distinction between the *Xerus* genus and many other squirrels found in the Old World lies in their preferred domain. While numerous Old World squirrel species are arboreal, meaning they spend the majority of their lives in trees, *Xerus* are fundamentally terrestrial. Their entire existence is centered around the ground, utilizing extensive, self-constructed burrow networks for shelter, temperature regulation, and raising young. This commitment to the ground necessitates different survival strategies, especially concerning thermoregulation and defense against ground-based predators, compared to their climbing counterparts.
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