Question

Read the following statements (i-iii) regarding the kangaroo rat and select the option that correctly identifies the true (T) and false (F) statements.

i. They are found in the deserts of North America
ii. They have the ability to concentrate the urine due to a very short Henle’s loop
iii. Oxidation of triglycerides produces water

• A. i - T, ii - F, iii - T
• B. i - F, ii - T, iii - F
• C. i - T, ii - T, iii - T
• D. i - T, ii - F, iii - F

Answer 1

The correct option is A i - T, ii - F, iii - T

Kangaroo rats are mostly found in the North American deserts.

These are able to survive in such extreme climatic conditions, as they have multiple physiological and morphological adaptations that allow them to fight with the extreme conditions of the desert.

Some adaptations include:

• In the absence of an external source of water, they meet their water requirement by the oxidation of fats (triglycerides) which leads to the production of water.
• Moreover, the kidneys in kangaroo rats have a long loop of Henle that absorb as much water as they can during urine production and thus making the urine concentrated. This helps to conserve water in the body.