How does the woodrat tail generally differ from the tail of the roof rat (Rattus rattus)?

Answer

The woodrat tail usually retains more noticeable hair, or the distinctive bushiness of *N. cinerea*

When comparing the tail morphology of woodrats to the roof rat (*Rattus rattus*), a key difference lies in hair density. The roof rat tail is typically characterized as being naked or only very sparsely haired. In contrast, even those woodrat species without the highly specialized bushy tail, such as the Eastern or Allegheny species, possess tails that are less densely furred but still retain more noticeable hair coverage than the roof rat. The Bushy-tailed woodrat (*N. cinerea*) presents an extreme example of this difference, possessing a tail that is heavily furred and plume-like, clearly setting it apart from the sparsely haired *Rattus rattus* tail.

How does the woodrat tail generally differ from the tail of the roof rat (*Rattus rattus*)?

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What physical mark distinguishes the White-throated woodrat (*N. albigula*)?How does the general size of woodrats compare to a common mouse?What specialized tail morphology defines the Bushy-tailed woodrat (*N. cinerea*)?What color pattern is a consistent feature on the underside of many woodrat species?What sensory characteristic differentiates a woodrat from the Norway rat (*Rattus norvegicus*)?What is the functional advantage of the woodrat's relatively large hind feet?What is the approximate tail length to body length ratio often seen in the Allegheny woodrat (*N. magister*)?How is the fur coloration typically described for the Eastern woodrat (*N. floridana*)?Which cranial features equip woodrats for their crepuscular and nocturnal lifestyles?How does the woodrat tail generally differ from the tail of the roof rat (*Rattus rattus*)?What characteristic of the woodrat coat helps distinguish it from the Norway rat (*Rattus norvegicus*)?

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