Answer:
Kangaroo rats maintain their body temperature at night by slowly releasing heat that they have stored during the day.
Kangaroo rats are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active during the night and rest during the day. To survive the cool nighttime temperatures, they have developed a unique adaptation. During the day, when it is warmer, kangaroo rats conserve heat by staying in their underground nests, which act as insulators.
As the day progresses, their bodies absorb and store heat from the surrounding environment. This heat is stored in their bodies, specifically in their tissues and organs. When night falls and the temperatures drop, kangaroo rats rely on this stored heat to maintain their body temperature.
By slowly releasing the stored heat throughout the night, kangaroo rats are able to stay warm without expending additional energy. This helps them conserve energy and survive in their desert habitats where temperatures can be extreme.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer: Kangaroo rats maintain their body temperature at night by slowly releasing heat that they have stored during the day.