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Difficulty: MediumMorphological and Physiological Adaptations to Environments

Kangaroo rats (*Dipodomys* species) are physiologically adapted to desert environments by relying primarily on metabolic water generated from the oxidation of dietary lipids and producing highly hypertonic urine made possible by exceptionally long loops of Henle.

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Answer

The statement is TRUE.
The statement correctly describes both the physiological mechanism (utilization of metabolic water from lipid oxidation) and the anatomical feature (elongated loops of Henle for hypertonic urine production) enabling kangaroo rats to survive in arid habitats.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the metabolic adaptation mentioned in the stem.
Confirm that cellular oxidation of carbohydrate and lipid-rich dry seeds yields metabolic water (C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2OC_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O), supplying the rodent's fluid requirements.
Desert rodents must obtain water without relying on surface water sources.
2
Analyze the structural/morphological renal adaptation mentioned in the stem.
Confirm that elongated loops of Henle enhance the countercurrent multiplier mechanism in the renal medulla.
Long loops of Henle establish a steep osmotic gradient, concentrating urine and reducing water loss.
3
Synthesize the facts to evaluate the overall statement.
Both the metabolic source of water and the anatomical renal adaptation are accurate for kangaroo rats.
The statement is fully scientifically correct.

Key Concept

Physiological and Anatomical Adaptations for Water Conservation in Desert Mammals
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Topics

Morphological and Physiological Adaptations to Environments

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