* Kangaroo: It's named after the kangaroo because of its large hind legs and powerful feet that allow it to hop like a kangaroo, albeit in a smaller, more compact way. They use these powerful legs to propel themselves through the desert, allowing for efficient movement and escape from predators.
* Rat: The "rat" part of its name comes from its physical appearance. While not actually a true rat, it shares some common characteristics, including its long tail, pointed snout, and relatively small size.
Therefore, the desert kangaroo rat is named for its unique combination of kangaroo-like hopping ability and rat-like appearance, reflecting its adaptations to its desert environment.