Growth of two species of woodrats, Neotoma lepida intermedia and Neotoma albigula venusta, was studied from birth through 101 days of age. Intra- and interspecies comparisons of weight, body length, tail length, hindfoot length, and ear length were made. Supplemental field data were collected. Neotoma a. venusta showed a more condensed breeding season and a more rapid rate of growth than did N. l. intermedia. This was interpreted as a specialization of reproduction and growth which has evolved as an adaptation of N. a. venusta to its harsh, desert habitat, whereas the pattern of reproduction and growth of N. l. intermedia, which occupies several distinct habitats, is interpreted as being more generalized.
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Schwartz et al. (1975) studied this question.