01166nas a2200121   4500008004100000245009700041210006900138300001300207490000700220520076200227100001500989856004001004       1993                        eng d00aDetection of differences in nutrient concentrations by eastern woodrats (Neotoma floridana )0 aDetection of differences in nutrient concentrations by eastern w  a493 -4970 v743 aI tested the ability of a small generalist herbivore, the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana), to detect differences in concentrations of protein, energy, and lipid available in two nutritionally complex diet items. Within 24 h of exposure to diets, woodrats consumed a greater amount of a standard diet than diets reduced in energy or lipid by 5, 10, or 20% and a diet reduced by 20% in protein. However, they did not choose the standard over diets reduced in protein by 5 or 10%. When consumption was summed over the 9-day duration of choice trials, individuals chose the standard diet over reduced diets. The ability of woodrats to detect relatively small differences in nutrient concentrations should allow them to make efficient use of available foods.1 aPost, D.M.  uhttp://www.jstor.org/stable/1382409