Answer to Question #99444 in Zoology for Helen Najera

Question

How can you estimate the concentration of the urine that a species of rodent produces if the only information you are given is a photograph of an intact kidney from that species? Explain.

Answer 1

The concentration and amount of urine depend on kidney functional activity. For example, inflammatory processes in kidneys (i.e., nephritis) will lead to reduced production of the urine. In this case, waste products (i.e., urea) will be accumulated in the blood. These processes may also be associated with kidneys failure. As a result, inflamed intact kidneys will look red and enlarged with an uneven surface. If these organs look like this, they will produce reduced amounts of urine.