Which North American species does not dig its own burrows but uses natural cavities or burrows created by others?

Which North American species does not dig its own burrows but uses natural cavities or burrows created by others?

• A. Cottontail rabbits
• B. European rabbits
• C. Groundhogs
• D. Gophers

Answer: (A)

In this case, the behavior being tested is whether a species relies on existing cavities rather than digging its own burrows. Cottontail rabbits typically do not dig extensive tunnels of their own. They rely on shallow forms or nests, and they often shelter in natural cavities or abandoned burrows created by other animals. This contrasts with groundhogs and gophers, which dig their own elaborate burrows, and European rabbits, which also dig burrows. So, cottontail rabbits are the ones that don’t construct their own burrows and instead use preexisting spaces.

In this case, the behavior being tested is whether a species relies on existing cavities rather than digging its own burrows. Cottontail rabbits typically do not dig extensive tunnels of their own. They rely on shallow forms or nests, and they often shelter in natural cavities or abandoned burrows created by other animals. This contrasts with groundhogs and gophers, which dig their own elaborate burrows, and European rabbits, which also dig burrows. So, cottontail rabbits are the ones that don’t construct their own burrows and instead use preexisting spaces.