File:Gerbil sitting under rock - DPLA - 2fc93ac9c0832e4450f16b705434d290.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Rodentia; Family: Gerbillinae; Genus: Gerbillus; Genus species: Gerbillus sp. Animal characteristics: Identification: The coat color of the gerbil varies, but the tail tip is a contrasting color; Habitat: Deserts, semi deserts, coastal areas; Diet: Herbivore: seeds, fruit, leaves, roots, bulbs; Reproduction: As many as 12 young may be born after a gestation period of 21-28 days. Weaning occurs when the babies are 20 days old. Gerbils only live for 1-2 years; Social Structure: Social organization depends on the environment - gerbils are solitary in the desert but form stable social groups in savannas; Behavior: Gerbils live below the ground's surface during the day to prevent water loss; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: An individual's coat color matches the color of the ground where it lives. There are 34 known species of gerbil.