What is an identifying feature of the desert woodrat?

The identifying feature of the desert woodrat being bi-colored, with a dark top and white bottom, is distinctive and helps differentiate it from other similar rodents. This color pattern is an adaptation that not only provides some camouflage within its natural habitat—typically characterized by rocky, desert areas—but also aids in thermoregulation by reflecting sunlight. This dual coloration is one of the key visual traits that make identifying the desert woodrat straightforward in the field.

While striped tails and large ears might suggest other rodent species, they are not primary characteristics of the desert woodrat. Additionally, while a length of up to 12 inches may pertain to the size of certain rodents, the specific bi-coloration is more unique and definitive, making option B the most appropriate identifier for this species.