Adaptations

• Any morphological, physiological and behavioural attribute of the organism that enables it to survive and reproduce in its habitat is called adaptation.

(i) Adaptation in Kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami)

• The Kangaroo rat in North American deserts is capable to meet its internal water requirement by oxidation of fat where water is a by – product.
• It has the ability to concentrate its urine for minimum loss of water through excretory products.
• Prevents water loss by living in burrows during day.
• Solidification of faeces.
• Nasal counter current mechanism to retrieve moisture from air being exhaled.