Wood Rat (Noun)
Meaning
Any of various small short-tailed rodents of the northern hemisphere having soft fur grey above and white below with furred tails and large ears; some are hosts for Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease ticks).
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The wood rat's habit of collecting and storing shiny objects in its nest has led to the discovery of many lost treasures and artifacts.
- Wood rats are common inhabitants of forests and woodlands in North America, where they play a crucial role in dispersing seeds and facilitating forest regeneration.
- Researchers have been studying the wood rat's behavior and ecology in an effort to better understand the spread of Lyme disease in the western United States.
- The wood rat's distinctive nest, often constructed from sticks and twigs, can be a striking feature of the forest landscape.
- Wood rats are important prey animals for many predators, including owls, hawks, and foxes, and their populations can have a significant impact on the balance of forest ecosystems.