Water conservation in Kangaroo Rats
•They
conserve water by both physiological and behavioral adaptations.
•Kangaroo
Rats get most of their water from the seeds they eat. By storing them in their burrow the seeds absorb more
moisture.
• Their kidneys concentrate their urine 17
times more concentrated than their
blood. (The best we can do is 3-4 times).
•Their
nasal passages facilitate counter-current heat exchange and promote condensation of water, minimizing loss due to
respiration.
•The
Kangaroo Rat is so good at conserving water that most individuals never have to take a drink.