In what part of the water budget is an Ord’s kangaroo rat more efficient at conserving water than a human?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The Ord’s kangaroo rat is more efficient at conserving water than a human in the excretion part of the water budget.
This species has evolved specialized physiological mechanisms to minimize water loss, particularly in their excretion processes. Ord’s kangaroo rats produce highly concentrated urine and dry feces, which reduces the amount of water they lose through waste. Their kidneys are highly efficient in conserving water, filtering out waste products while retaining as much water as possible.
In contrast, humans, although capable of conserving water to some extent, excrete urine with a relatively higher water content. The human kidney, while efficient, does not reach the same level of water conservation as the kangaroo rat, which has adaptations like longer loops of Henle (part of the nephron in kidneys) that allow for more water reabsorption.
Additionally, Ord’s kangaroo rat has a unique adaptation in its ability to avoid excessive water loss through sweating, which is another area where humans are less efficient. Humans rely heavily on sweating to regulate body temperature, which results in significant water loss, especially in hot conditions. The kangaroo rat, however, stays cool through behavioral adaptations like being nocturnal and remaining in burrows during the hottest parts of the day.
These adaptations are essential for survival in the arid environments where the Ord’s kangaroo rat is found, where water is scarce. Their efficiency in conserving water enables them to thrive in desert habitats, whereas humans, with more reliance on external water sources and less efficient excretory adaptations, face greater challenges in similar conditions.