What does the ords kangaroo rat eat?

The Ords kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) is a fascinating desert rodent with a specialized diet. Here's what they eat:

* Seeds: These make up the bulk of their diet, and they are highly selective about which seeds they choose. They prefer large, nutritious seeds with high fat and protein content.

* Grasses: They also consume various grasses, particularly during times when seeds are scarce.

* Green vegetation: In addition to seeds and grasses, they will eat green leaves and stems of desert plants.

* Insects: Occasionally, they may supplement their diet with insects, but this is not a primary food source.

Key adaptations for their diet:

* Cheek pouches: They have large cheek pouches that allow them to collect and transport large quantities of seeds back to their burrows for storage.

* Specialized teeth: Their teeth are adapted for grinding tough seeds and grasses.

* Efficient water conservation: They are very efficient at conserving water, which is crucial in the desert environment. They get most of their moisture from the seeds they eat.

Interesting fact: Ords kangaroo rats can survive on a diet of seeds alone, making them remarkable desert survivors!