What specialized tail morphology defines the Bushy-tailed woodrat (*N. cinerea*)?
Answer
A tail covered in long, soft hair giving it a distinct, plume-like appearance
The Bushy-tailed woodrat (*Neotoma cinerea*) is unequivocally identified by its namesake feature: a tail that is decidedly bushy. This morphology means the tail is covered extensively in long, soft hair, resulting in a distinct, plume-like appearance. This contrasts sharply with many other *Neotoma* species, such as the Eastern or Allegheny woodrats, whose tails are less densely furred and often exhibit a bicolor pattern where the scaly skin underneath is more visible. The bushy nature provides specific advantages, likely related to navigating cooler, higher elevations and coniferous forests associated with this species.
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