What constitutes the primary component of the omnivorous diet for *Xerus rutilus*?
Answer
Grass seeds, roots, and tubers
*Xerus rutilus*, found commonly in arid and semi-arid zones, maintains an omnivorous diet that is strategically suited for environments where sustenance can fluctuate greatly. While they supplement their intake with insects and other invertebrates, the core of their nutrition is derived from plant matter, specifically grass seeds, roots, and tubers. This feeding strategy allows them to exploit relatively stable underground resources (roots/tubers) and ephemeral above-ground resources (seeds), which is a key adaptation for persistence in dry landscapes.
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