Question

Water and Ion Balance (pick the incorrect statement). (a) Compared to a small mammal, a large mammal can be more active during a hot sunny day because it has a small surface area to volume ratio minimizing heat exchange with the environment. (b) When dehydrated, a camel stores nitrogenous wastes in its tissues to conserve water. (c) Temperature regulation can have a significant impact on water and ion balance, particularly for terrestrial endotherms. (d) A small desert mammal (e.g. a kangaroo rat) can minimize water loss by temporarily suspending thermoregulation and allowing its body temperature to fluctuate.

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (b) When dehydrated, a camel stores nitrogenous wastes in its tissues to conserve water.

Explanation:

The camel has good a hump on its back that helps with water storage. This is also made up of a water soluble fatty substance and fats. The water regulation is also controlled by the nephron which is an integral part of the kidney. The nephron has the Loop of Henle that regulates the retention of the water in the body. When there is no water, the potential of the ions force the water back into the kidneys so that the cells do not get disturbed. The nitrogenous wastes are expelled out as soon as possible because they form ammonium salts that may disturb the cell metabolism.

Hence, option (b) is not true.