Osmoregulation and Water-Salt Balance · NCERT Biology

Why are desert mammals able to survive with minimal water intake?

  1. They excrete dilute urine to flush out toxins efficiently
  2. They lack a Loop of Henle and rely on skin for water retention
  3. They produce highly concentrated urine
  4. They excrete ammonia directly through specialized skin glands
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Correct answer: They produce highly concentrated urine

Desert mammals have exceptionally long Loops of Henle that create a steep osmotic gradient in the renal medulla, enabling maximum water reabsorption. This results in highly concentrated urine, minimizing water loss in arid environments.

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