What protective function does the dried mud crust from wallowing provide to water buffalo skin?
Answer
Shielding sensitive, sparsely-haired skin from the intense tropical sun to prevent sunburn.
Wallowing provides multiple layers of benefit for the water buffalo, and one crucial function of the resulting mud coating is physical protection against solar radiation. Since their skin is sparsely haired and sensitive, prolonged exposure to intense tropical sun can cause painful sunburn. When the buffalo emerges from the water or mud and the coating dries, it forms a thick crust that acts as a physical shield against harsh UV rays. This barrier is just as important as the evaporative cooling effect that occurs as the mud slowly dries, demonstrating a multi-faceted adaptation to harsh environmental conditions.
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