How is the fur coloration typically described for the Eastern woodrat (*N. floridana*)?
Answer
A brownish-gray back fading to white on the belly
The Eastern woodrat (*Neotoma floridana*) exhibits a classic pattern of countershading common among mammals. Its dorsal coloration is typically described as brownish-gray, which provides adequate camouflage within its preferred habitat of forests, thickets, and rocky areas. This darker topcoat transitions distinctly to white fur covering the ventral side, or belly. This pattern is contrasted against species like the White-throated woodrat, which has a specific throat marking, or the Allegheny woodrat, which may appear generally darker or duskier overall.
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