How can guano be distinguished from rodent droppings?

Guano, which is the excrement of seabirds or bats, can be distinguished from rodent droppings primarily through its segmented, elongated, and friable characteristics. Unlike rodent droppings, which tend to be smaller, cylindrical, and more uniform in shape, guano has a more varied appearance due to the dietary habits of the birds or bats it comes from. The consistency of guano can be crumbly or powdery, making it distinguishable as well.

In contrast, characteristics attributed to rodent droppings typically include a more solid texture that is not segmented and tends to have a smoother, more uniform appearance. Other distinguishing features from the incorrect options include the notion of size and shape which do not typically apply when considering guano versus rodent droppings: guano is not necessarily larger or rounder, it does not typically contain a white chalky material, and while it may be irregular, its distinct segments are a key identifier that sets it apart from rodent droppings.