Adaptations for survival chaPTeR fiGuRe 5.1 The spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis), also known as the tarrkawarra, is a marsupial mammal that lives in sandy desert regions in parts of Australia. The shovel-snouted lizard (Meroles anchietae) is another of many desert-adapted creatures of the Namib. ; kangaroo mice, Microdipodops spp. If the rodent does get too hot in its burrow, it has the ability to raise its body temperature so its surroundings feel cooler. iStock . A mouse has various adaptations to protect itself. Since it lives in the desert where water is scarce, it must obtain moisture from the food it eats. To regulate their body temperature they take refuse in bushes and mouse holes. However, the mouse’s most unique feature is the way they’ve evolved to conserve water so that they can continue thriving in Australia’s harsh desert climate. The word desert denotes areas characterised by high temperatures and low irregular precipitation, resulting in extensive drought and scarcity of vegetation. As the summer temperatures continue to … Heteromyidae: Kangaroo Rats & Pocket Mice. It appears to relish high temperatures, ranging from the mid 80's to … True to its common name, the medium-sized desert pocket mouse prefers sandy, sparsely vegetated desert environments. BY Craig S Baker. Scientists at Princeton University say the Cairo spiny mouse may look like an old world mouse or rat, but it resembles a Mongolian gerbil at the molecular level. 20 Amazing Animal Adaptations for Living in the Desert. A spinifex hopping mouse in action. Gerbils have several physical adaptations that help them avoid predators. They display many adaptations that equip them to survive in a hot and arid environment. The desert pocket mouse (Chaetodipus penicillatus) lives in the desert regions of the southwestern United States, including Nevada, Arizona, parts of New Mexico, Texas and California, the Baja Peninsula and northeastern Mexico.It prefers dry, sandy regions with little vegetation. June 13, 2014 . Highland and lowland mice were tested to gain a better understanding of how the same specie of mouse has different altitude environments and … (Image Credit: Annette Ruzicka/Bush Heritage) Adapting to the desert. Highland and lowland mice were tested to gain a better understanding of how the same specie of mouse has different altitude environments and respiratory adaptations. Heteromyid rodents (kangaroo rats, Dipodomys spp. If it looks like a mouse, behaves like a mouse, walks like a mouse and eats like a mouse, it must be...a gerbil! Asked in Care of Mice and Rats Adaptations of a mouse? The hopping mouse is nocturnal and stays hidden in deep, humid burrows during the heat of the day. Mice living on light-colored sand tend to have light-colored coats, while mice living on patches of dark-colored rock have mostly dark-colored coats.