What geographic area does the species epithet *floridana* in *Neotoma floridana* reference?
Answer
The region where the Eastern Woodrat was first formally described
In the Linnaean system of binomial nomenclature, species epithets are often descriptive, frequently referencing the location where the organism was first scientifically documented or described. In the case of the Eastern Woodrat, *Neotoma floridana*, the specific epithet *floridana* refers generally to Florida, which is the geographical region where this species was initially described formally by taxonomists. This naming convention contrasts with *cinerea*, which refers to the ash or gray color of the Dusky Woodrat. Understanding these epithets provides immediate context regarding the historical discovery or primary appearance of the species.
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