What is the range of temperature amelioration provided by dens built by *N. lepida* in Death Valley environments?
Answer
From $15^ ext{C}$ to $20^ ext{C}$
Survival for modern desert woodrats like *N. lepida* in hyperarid environments such as Death Valley relies heavily on behavioral modifications, specifically constructing complex dens, often utilizing the root structures of honey mesquite. These dens serve as crucial thermal refuges. Research using temperature loggers indicates that these structures are highly effective at buffering external conditions, managing to ameliorate the ambient temperatures inside the den by a significant margin, specifically ranging between $15^ ext{C}$ and $20^ ext{C}$ relative to the harsh exterior.
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