What term describes the strictly diurnal pattern of feeding activity observed in Xerus squirrels?
Answer
Feeding activity confined only to the daylight hours
Diurnal refers to animals whose activity, specifically in this context, feeding, is confined strictly to the hours of daylight. Xerus squirrels spend significant portions of the day above ground actively foraging across their established territory. This contrasts with nocturnal animals active at night or crepuscular animals active during twilight hours. Being diurnal necessitates careful management of foraging time, especially given the extreme temperatures they often face in savanna environments.
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