Description
Kangaroo rats are four-toed endotherms with large hind legs, small front legs and relatively large heads. Adults typically weigh between 70–170 g. The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads. Another notable feature of kangaroo rats are their fur lined cheek pouches which are used for storing food. The coloration of kangaroo rats varies from cinnamon buff to dark gray, depending on the species. There is also some variation in length with one of the largest species, the banner-tailed kangaroo rat being six inches in body length and a tail length of eight inches. Sexual dimorphism exists in all species, with males being larger than females.
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—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
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—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)