In which of the following species should natural selection favor the highest proportion of juxtamedullary nephrons?
a. A river otter
b. A mouse species living in a temperate broadleaf forest
c. A mouse species living in a desert
d. A beaver

검증된 단계별 안내

Understand the function of juxtamedullary nephrons: These nephrons are specialized for water reabsorption and are crucial for producing concentrated urine, which is important for conserving water.

Consider the habitat of each species: Juxtamedullary nephrons are more beneficial in environments where water is scarce, as they help in conserving water by concentrating urine.

Analyze the options: a river otter and a beaver live in aquatic environments where water is abundant, so they are less likely to need a high proportion of juxtamedullary nephrons.

Evaluate the mouse species: The mouse species living in a temperate broadleaf forest has moderate water availability, while the mouse species living in a desert faces extreme water scarcity.

Conclude which species would benefit most: Natural selection would favor the highest proportion of juxtamedullary nephrons in the mouse species living in a desert, as it needs to conserve water in its arid environment.

비슷한 문제에 대한 검증된 영상 답변:

이 영상 해법은 위 문제에 도움이 된다고 튜터들이 추천한 것입니다.

영상 길이:

56s

주요 개념

질문에 올바르게 답하기 위해 반드시 이해해야 하는 핵심 개념들은 다음과 같습니다.

Juxtamedullary Nephrons

Juxtamedullary nephrons are specialized structures in the kidneys that play a crucial role in concentrating urine. They have long loops of Henle that extend deep into the medulla, allowing for efficient reabsorption of water and solutes. This adaptation is particularly beneficial for species living in environments where water conservation is essential.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, where individuals with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population. In the context of kidney function, natural selection would favor adaptations that enhance survival in specific habitats, such as efficient water conservation in arid environments.

Desert Adaptations

Desert adaptations are physiological and behavioral traits that enable organisms to survive in arid environments with limited water availability. These adaptations may include efficient water retention, reduced water loss, and specialized kidney functions like those provided by juxtamedullary nephrons. Species living in deserts often evolve such traits to maintain hydration and survive extreme conditions.