What does the word xerus mean?
African ground squirrels
Definition of Xerus : a genus of coarse-haired long-tailed African ground squirrels that somewhat resemble prairie dogs in habits.
What are the adaptations of a Cape ground squirrel?
Ground squirrels have a streamlined shape that helps them move swiftly through their burrows. This adaptation also enables them to evade predators by moving quickly if under attack. They have short fur, small ears, short legs and an elongated body, all of which help reduce drag as they run.
How does a Cape ground squirrel survive in the desert?
In the Kalahari, they prefer habitats with harder substrates to make their burrows, avoiding areas of soft sand. This species has many adaptations to desert living. The most evident being their long bushy tail. Ground squirrels scatter-hoard food around a central sleeping burrow.
Where does a xerus live?
A Xerus is a mammal that sometimes goes by the name African ground squirrel. It lives in sub-Saharan Africa in grasslands, savannas, and deserts.
Is xerus a real word?
an African ground squirrel of the genus Xerus, having spiny fur, very short ears, and a long tail, and including the species X. rutilus of northeastern Africa and X.
What are squirrel adaptations?
One adaptation that is extremely beneficial to a squirrel’s lifestyle is the anatomy of their back legs. Squirrels are able to rotate their hind feet which allows them to descend down a tree head first. This is helpful for avoiding predation as well as reaching for food and traveling from tree to tree.
What noise does a xerus make?
They can make a chattering sound, similar to that of other squirrels.
How do squirrels adapt to the desert?
During extreme heat or drought these squirrels enter their burrows and allow their body temperatures to drop and their body functions to slow. These adaptations allow squirrels to live in extreme environments, where food is not always available.
Are xerus endangered?
Not extinctAfrican ground squirrel / Extinction status
What sound does a xerus make?
Is xerus a Scrabble word?
Yes, xerus is in the scrabble dictionary.