The kangaroo rat is closely associated with the Mojave Desert ecosystem due to its unique adaptations to the desert's harsh conditions.

The kangaroo rat is one of the most iconic and well-adapted creatures of the Mojave Desert. It is a small, nocturnal rodent that has evolved to thrive in the extreme heat and dryness of the desert. Known for its large hind legs (which resemble those of a kangaroo), it uses these to hop across the sand in search of food. Kangaroo rats are adapted to conserve water, often never drinking from external sources but obtaining all the moisture they need from seeds and plants. This makes them perfectly suited to the arid conditions of the Mojave, unlike elephants, mountain lions, or snow leopards, which are not native to this environment.