Question

animals, like kangaroo rats, live in underground dens, where it is several degrees cooler on the surface. others, like camels, have evolved to tolerate high temperatures. they conserve water by not sweating very much. in addition to conserving water, some animals are able to collect water when it does rain. the texas horned lizard has tiny channels between the scales on its back that can collect drinking water. the sandgrouse, a type of bird, can hold up to 25% of its body weight in water in its feathers. which of the following animals is best adapted to the dry desert environment? choose one option a a black bear, whose dark coat absorbs a lot of heat b a jackrabbit, which can get rid of excess heat though its large ears c a river otter, which mainly eats fish, frogs and crabs d a spider monkey, whose long arms and hook-like hands help it swing through tree branches

Explanation:

• Option A: A black bear with a dark coat that absorbs heat is not suitable for a desert environment as deserts are already hot. Absorbing more heat would be detrimental.
• Option B: A jackrabbit that can get rid of excess heat through its large ears is well - adapted. In a desert, temperature regulation is crucial, and being able to dissipate heat helps the animal survive in the hot, dry conditions.
• Option C: A river otter that mainly eats fish, frogs, and crabs depends on a water - rich environment (rivers, etc.), which is not typical of a dry desert.
• Option D: A spider monkey with long arms and hook - like hands for swinging through tree branches is adapted to a forest (arboreal) environment, not a desert.

Answer:

B. a jackrabbit, which can get rid of excess heat though its large ears