Final answer:
Terrestrial animals exchange water with their environment through various adaptations that help retain water and through the process of transpiration in plants. Animals balance water intake with water loss, participating in the water cycle through consumption and excretion of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Terrestrial Animals and Water Exchange
Terrestrial animals engage in water exchange with the environment through various physiological and behavioral adaptations. Despite water being an essential component for many cellular processes including photosynthesis and ATP hydrolysis, water is lost to the atmosphere via evaporation, a challenge for organisms living on land. To counteract water loss, animals may adjust their water intake and utilize different strategies to minimize water loss.
For example, plants and animals maintain homeostasis by controlling the balance between water intake and water loss. Plants reduce water loss by closing stomates and shedding leaves whereas animals may reduce water loss through adaptations such as waterproof skin, efficient excretory systems, and behavior changes.
Transpiration is a specific process for plants, where water is absorbed through roots and then evaporated from leaves, contributing to the water cycle. Terrestrial animals also play a role in the water cycle by drinking water, using it for metabolism, and then returning it to the environment through excretion and respiration.