The kangaroo rat can survive without drinking water for extended periods by obtaining moisture from its food and minimizing water loss.

The kangaroo rat, a small nocturnal rodent native to the Sonoran Desert, has remarkable adaptations that allow it to survive in such an arid environment. It does not drink free-standing water; instead, it gets its moisture from seeds and other food it consumes. Its kidneys are highly efficient, enabling it to conserve water and reduce water loss through urine and evaporation. Kangaroo rats are also adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle, which minimizes water loss due to the heat of the day. These adaptations make them one of the most well-known desert survivors, thriving in extremely dry conditions.