What feature immediately separates the water vole's head profile from the common brown rat's muzzle?
Answer
A blunt, rounded snout
The head profile of the water vole is fundamentally characterized by its bluntness, specifically possessing a rounded and short snout. This anatomical feature serves as a stark physical indicator used for distinguishing it from other small mammals sharing similar habitats. Most significantly, this blunt muzzle contrasts sharply with the common brown rat (*Rattus norvegicus*), which is noted for sporting a distinctly pointed muzzle. This difference in snout morphology is a crucial element for rapid identification in the field when comparing the two species.
Related Questions
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