Do mice obtain most of their water from food, and will they drink water if available?

• A. They drink only water from bottles
• B. They get water from food and will drink if available
• C. They never drink water
• D. They always drink large quantities

Answer: (B)

Mice balance their hydration from two main sources: moisture in their food and drinking water. If their diet is moist, they can obtain most of their water from the food itself. They are also drawn to a water source and will drink when water is available, adjusting how much they drink based on how moist their food is and the environment. They don’t drink only from bottles, they’ll use any available water source, and they don’t always drink large quantities—their water intake varies and is self-regulated.