thesisThe kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys) belong to the order Rodentia and to the family Heteromyidae. Phylogenetically they are closely allied to the family Geomyidae, characterized in Utah by the common pocket gopher (genus Thomomys). The family Heteromyidae is represented, in Utah, by two other genera, namely: Perognathus and Microdipodops. The former is known, vernacularly, as the pocket mouse and the latter as the kangaroo mouse. All Utah Heteromyids are characterized by exceptionally large auditory bullae, grooved upper incisors, and fur lined cheek pouches
