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 tails shorter than head and body; roof rats have tails longer than head and body
• C. Norway rats have tails shorter; roof rats tails shorter
• D. Norway rats tails equal to body; roof rats tails longer

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how tail length compares to body length in the two rat types. Norway rats have tails that are shorter than their head-and-body length, giving them a stockier appearance. Roof rats have tails that are longer than their head-and-body length, helping them with their climbing and balance.

So, the correct contrast is that Norway rats have tails shorter than their body, while roof rats have tails longer than their body. Statements that claim both have short tails or that tails are equal to the body don’t fit the typical differences between these species, and the idea that roof rats have short tails misses the key climbing-adaptation these rats possess.