Dipodid

/dɪˈpɒdɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of the family Dipodidae, which includes jerboas and jumping mice—small rodents with powerful hind legs for jumping.

Etymology

From 'dipode' (two-footed, referring to their bipedal hopping) plus '-id' (family member suffix), named for their characteristic two-footed jumping locomotion.

Kelly Says

Jerboas are absolutely wild rodents—they hop on two powerful hind legs like tiny kangaroos, reaching speeds of 20 mph, making them the acrobats of the rodent world.

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