Sand Rat (Noun)
Meaning 1
Southern European gerbil.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The sand rat is widely known for its adaptability to arid environments found in Southern Europe.
- Scientists conducted a research study on sand rats as they move during the breeding season in the habitat.
- The sand rat manages to avoid extreme temperatures through underground burrows in certain regions.
- Natural predators are said to impact the sand rat's breeding pattern in regional parts of its habitat.
- Local protection efforts appear necessary as urbanization seems to reduce the overall number of sand rats in several countries.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Small nearly naked African mole rat of desert areas.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The sand rat's well-adapted burrowing behavior allows it to escape the harsh desert climate and find underground shelter.
- African spiny mice often interact with sand rats in their shared desert habitats, with some research showing a symbiotic relationship.
- Scientists studying the desert sand rat were surprised by its unique ability to go its entire life without drinking water.
- Researchers studying the social behavior of the sand rat have made groundbreaking discoveries about its eusocial colonies.
- Unlike their name suggests, sand rats are technically a type of mole rat, with several distinctive physical and behavioral adaptations setting them apart from larger true rat species.