Question

Kangaroo rat is a xeric vertebrate which has higher metabolic rate than lizards. It usually does not drink water. Which of the following features is NOT shown by this mammal?

• A. It produces highly concentrated urine
• B. It shows lower basal metabolic rate than a non-desert mammal
• C. It utilises metabolic water and spends the day in burrows which have temperature of ${25}^o$C
• D. It has cutaneous permeability to absorb moisture from the damp burrows during day and from cold sand at night

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

The correct options are
A It produces highly concentrated urine
D It has cutaneous permeability to absorb moisture from the damp burrows during day and from cold sand at night

• Kangaroo rat has oily skin or oily cutaneous layer which doesn't allow water absorption or water loss through the skin.
  

So, the correct option is 'It has cutaneous permeability to absorb moisture from the damp burrows during day and from cold sand at night'