What specific dental characteristic defines the Order Rodentia which includes Xerus?
Answer
A single pair of continuously growing upper and lower incisors
The defining characteristic that places *Xerus* and similar animals into the immense Order Rodentia is their specialized dentition. Specifically, all members of this order possess one pair of continuously growing incisors on both the upper and lower jaws. This constant growth necessitates continuous gnawing behavior to keep the teeth worn down to a manageable length. This singular dental feature is a primary anatomical marker used to define the entirety of the Rodentia order, separating them from other mammals, regardless of whether they are tree dwellers or ground dwellers.
Related Questions
Which Class do all members of the genus Xerus belong to, based on possessing hair and nursing young?What specific dental characteristic defines the Order Rodentia which includes Xerus?Which group of mammals shares the Family Sciuridae classification with Xerus?What specific tribe grouping separates Xerus from the genus Sciurus?Who is cited as the species authority for Xerus inauris (Cape Ground Squirrel)?What environmental conditions are suggested to influence the tribal placement of Xerus?What shared physical trait is noted for species within the genus Xerus?What does the classification divergence between Xerus (Old World) and Spermophilus (New World) imply?Which system confirms the genus Xerus and its placement within the standard hierarchy according to the text?What taxonomic rank represents the point of broad agreement across modern biological classification for Xerus?