What describes the typical daily activity pattern for squirrels belonging to the genus *Xerus*?
Answer
Diurnal, meaning they are active during the day
The *Xerus* genus is characterized by a diurnal activity schedule, meaning these animals conduct their primary activities—foraging, sun basking, and social interaction—during the daylight hours. This daytime activity pattern is linked to the availability of surface resources like seeds and grasses, which they primarily consume. However, this choice necessitates significant behavioral adaptations, such as the sun-shading behavior using their tails, to cope with the high solar radiation and the increased risk from aerial predators during these active hours.
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