Which species, *N. cinerea* or *N. floridana*, is defined by having a tail often noticeably shorter than the head and body length?

Answer

*Neotoma floridana*

The Eastern Woodrat, scientifically designated as *Neotoma floridana*, is specifically noted for exhibiting a tail length that is frequently shorter when measured against the total length of its head and body. This morphological distinction provides a reliable means of separating it from its western counterpart, the Dusky Woodrat (*N. cinerea*), whose tail typically equals or exceeds that measurement. This difference in tail proportion is considered a useful field identification feature, particularly valuable in contexts where geographic ranges might historically have been thought to overlap or where ecological settings present similar conditions, thereby requiring physical examination to confirm specific species identity.

Which species, *N. cinerea* or *N. floridana*, is defined by having a tail often noticeably shorter than the head and body length?

Related Questions

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taxonomyanimalclassificationrodentwoodrat