Chapter 32, Problem 10TYU

Summary Introduction

To describe:

A hypothesis concerning the relative rates of evaporative water loss by populations of Merriam’s kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) that live in moist versus dry environments and the testing of the hypothesis using a humidity sensor to detect evaporative water loss by the kangaroo rats.

Concept introduction:

The variation in nephron structure occurs from species to species as the habitat changes. The kangaroo rats and other desert animal’s release hyperosmotic urine as their loop of Henle extend deep into the medulla. This long loop produces the concentrated urine so minimizes the water loss. Humidity sensor can used to test the evaporation loss by them.