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.