What unique component heavily impregnates the coarse, shaggy coat of the waterbuck, affecting its texture and odor?

Answer

Sebaceous oils

The most striking evolutionary adaptation concerning the waterbuck’s integument is its coarse, shaggy coat, which is saturated heavily with sebaceous oils secreted by specialized glands. This heavy oil impregnation is directly responsible for conferring significant water repellency, allowing the animal to rapidly shed moisture after being submerged or wallowing. This ability is vital for thermoregulation in an environment where they frequently spend time in or near water bodies. Furthermore, these oils contribute to a distinctive, often described as musky or rank, odor. This strong smell is hypothesized to function as a chemical anti-predator mechanism, potentially discouraging hunters like lions or hyenas that rely heavily on scent tracking to locate prey.

What unique component heavily impregnates the coarse, shaggy coat of the waterbuck, affecting its texture and odor?

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biologyevolutionmammalantelopeWaterbuck