Evolutionary convergence of the highly adapted desert rodent Tympanoctomys barrerae (Octodontidae)

Octodontid rodents have a long evolutionary history in arid landscapes of South America. The red vizcacha rat, Tympanoctomys barrerae, is a monotypic, micro-endemic species that inhabits salt pan-sand dune habitats in west-central Argentina. Its natural history is almost unknown. We present an analysis of the ecology, morphology, behavior, and physiology of the red vizcacha rat and assess the overall degree of convergence of this species with rodents that inhabit similar habitats in different deserts. Our results show that Tympanoctomys barrerae is highly adapted to salt flat basin habitats. Its diet of halophytic vegetation with a high salt content, and physiological and anatomical traits related to salt consumption, are similar to those found in some members of the families Heteromyidae (Dipodomys microps) of North America, and Muridae (Psammomys obesus and Rhombomys opimus) of Africa and Asia. Similarities include feeding behavior, diet composition, kidney morphology, and urine concentration, among other traits. Tympanoctomys barrerae is more similar to these desert rodents than it is to confamilials that do not feed on halophytes. (C) 1999 Academic Press.