How long ago did *Neotoma fuscipes* and *N. macrotis* diverge into separate sister species?
Answer
Approximately 2.23 million years ago
Following the initial deep split that defined the major western lineages, subsequent speciation events occurred over millions of years. The specific evolutionary divergence that separated the ancestors of *Neotoma fuscipes* (Dusky-footed woodrat) and *N. macrotis* (Big-eared woodrat) is estimated to have taken place around 2.23 million years ago, representing a distinct evolutionary separation subsequent to the Pliocene radiation.
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