What dependency is often shown by the Cape Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) regarding its location in the drier Karoo and Kalahari regions?
Answer
A very strong dependency on the underground parts of grasses and plants storing reserves
The Cape Ground Squirrel, *Xerus inauris*, resides predominantly in the harsh, dry landscapes of the Karoo and Kalahari. Survival in these environments necessitates accessing stored resources that can withstand prolonged periods of scarcity. Therefore, this species exhibits a pronounced reliance on the underground parts of plants, which function as crucial storage organs containing essential reserves against the severe environmental stress imposed by these arid regions.
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