Which statement best contrasts Norway rats with roof rats in terms of tail length?

Which statement best contrasts Norway rats with roof rats in terms of tail length?

• A. Norway rats have tails longer than their body; roof rats have tails shorter
• B. Norway rats have large ears; roof rats have small ears
• C. Norway rats have tails shorter than head and body; roof rats have tails longer than head and body
• D. Norway rats have very sharp vision; roof rats have poor vision

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how tail length compares to body length in the two rat species. Norway rats have tails shorter than their head-and-body length, which gives them a stouter, ground-dwelling appearance. Roof rats, on the other hand, have tails longer than their head-and-body length, aiding their balance as agile climbers. So the statement that Norway rats have tails shorter than head and body, while roof rats have tails longer than head and body, best captures this difference. The other options mix in traits that aren’t about tail length (like ear size or vision) or state the opposite tail relationship.

The key idea here is how tail length compares to body length in the two rat species. Norway rats have tails shorter than their head-and-body length, which gives them a stouter, ground-dwelling appearance. Roof rats, on the other hand, have tails longer than their head-and-body length, aiding their balance as agile climbers. So the statement that Norway rats have tails shorter than head and body, while roof rats have tails longer than head and body, best captures this difference. The other options mix in traits that aren’t about tail length (like ear size or vision) or state the opposite tail relationship.