What key facial difference separates the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat from the Bare-nosed Wombat?
Answer
The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat has hair covering its entire muzzle, including the rhinarium (nose pad).
Although closely related, the two species exhibit distinct differences in integumentary structure reflecting their different habitats. The Bare-nosed Wombat (*Vombatus ursinus*) is characterized by a relatively smooth, hairless patch on its nose. Conversely, the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (*Lasiorhinus latifrons*), which thrives in drier, more arid environments, possesses hair that covers its entire muzzle area, extending to the rhinarium or nose pad. This hairy covering is theorized to offer protective benefits against the harsh conditions, such as intense sun exposure and dryness, prevalent in its preferred arid habitat.
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