Insect show consideration powers of water conservation. This is due to the fact that
The chitinous cuticle is impregnated with tanned protein
Nitrogenous waste is eliminated as urea
Chitin is impermeable to water
The malpighian tubules are impermeable to water
The curticle is covered with wax
Explanation
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Discussions (11)
Yeah the answer is correct because the chitin is impermiable to water so there would be no room for evaporation ooo
The correct answer is E. The cuticle is covered with wax.
Explanation: Insects have adapted to conserve water in their environment by covering their cuticle (outer layer) with a waxy substance. This wax layer helps to reduce water loss by evaporation, making it more difficult for water to escape from the insect's body. This is especially important in terrestrial insects living in dry environments. The other options refer to different functions but do not directly relate to water conservation in the same way.
While chitin is relatively impermeable to water, it is the wax covering the cuticle that plays the most significant role in preventing water loss. Thus, E is the best answer.
The best correct answer is:
E. The cuticle is covered with wax
Clear Explanation (JAMB/WAEC standard)
Insects conserve water mainly because their cuticle has a waxy layer. This wax layer:
Makes the body waterproof
Reduces evaporation of water from the body surface
This is the most accurate and specific adaptation for water conservation.
Why the others are not correct:
A. Tanned protein (sclerotin) → gives strength, not mainly water conservation
B. 
Wrong — insects excrete uric acid, not urea
C. Not fully correct — chitin alone is not completely impermeable; the wax layer is the key
D. Malpighian tubules help reabsorb water, not impermeable
🧠 Exam Trick:
If you see both:
“Chitin impermeable”
“Cuticle covered with wax”
Always pick wax layer — it’s the real reason insects don’t lose water easily.
Insects are basically tiny desert survival experts in armor 
—their bodies are built to lock in moisture like a sealed bottle.
The correct answer is:
E. The cuticle is covered with wax
Why?
That waxy layer on the insect’s cuticle acts like a waterproof jacket, preventing water from evaporating from their body. Without it, they’d dry out faster than a puddle under the midday sun 
.
Quick check on the others:
A Tanned protein adds strength, not water conservation
B Insects excrete uric acid, not urea (uric acid saves more water)
C Chitin alone is not fully waterproof
D Malpighian tubules actually help reabsorb water, not impermeable
