What is an expected characteristic of urine from herbivores?

• A. Acidic pH
• B. Alkaline pH
• C. Neutral pH
• D. Highly concentrated urine

Answer: (B)

Urine from herbivores typically has an alkaline pH. This characteristic is largely due to the high-fiber diet that herbivores consume, which includes a significant amount of plant material. The digestion of this fibrous material results in the production of alkaline substances as byproducts, contributing to the higher pH levels of their urine.

Herbivores also have unique metabolic processes that help neutralize acids, further supporting an alkaline urine composition. The presence of certain compounds and the breakdown of plant materials influence the urinary pH, helping to maintain a balance within the animal's system. This is particularly important for herbivores, as maintaining an alkaline environment can aid in the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients from their complex diets.

In contrast, other animals, particularly carnivores and omnivores, tend to excrete more acidic urine due to the protein-rich diets they consume, which result in the production of more acidic metabolic byproducts. Therefore, an alkaline pH is a clear indicator of herbivore urine, highlighting the dietary and physiological adaptations of these animals.