* Grasses: This includes seeds from various types of grasses, like desert grasses, bunchgrasses, and even cultivated grains like wheat and barley.
* Forbs: These are flowering plants that are not grasses. Kangaroo rats will eat seeds from various wildflowers, legumes, and other forbs.
* Shrubs: They also eat seeds from shrubs that grow in their desert habitats, like creosote bush and mesquite.
It's important to note that kangaroo rats are opportunistic feeders, so they may also consume other food sources occasionally, depending on availability. These can include:
* Green vegetation: They may nibble on leaves and stems, especially when seeds are scarce.
* Insects: They might eat insects as a source of protein, but this is not a major part of their diet.
Overall, kangaroo rats are well-adapted to survive in their desert environment and rely primarily on a diet of seeds for their nutritional needs.