Multiple Choice
An albatross spending its life hovering over the ocean provides an extreme example of __________, the process by which animals control solute concentrations and balance water gain and loss.
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion
Osmoregulation and Excretion
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Why do freshwater fish excrete a large amount of very dilute urine?
A
Because they live in a hypoosmotic solution, their cells tend to accumulate a lot of solute that must be excreted.
B
Because they live in a hyperosmotic solution, their cells take up an excess of water that must be excreted.
C
Because they live in a hyperosmotic solution, their cells tend to accumulate a lot of solute that must be excreted.
D
Because animals must live in an isoosmotic solution, they excrete solutes to make the concentration of solutes in the water equal to the concentration of solutes in their cells.
E
Because they live in a hypoosmotic solution, their cells take up excess water that must be excreted.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Identify the environment of freshwater fish: Freshwater fish live in a hypoosmotic environment, meaning the water outside their bodies has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of their bodies.
Recognize the effect of a hypoosmotic environment: In a hypoosmotic environment, water tends to move into the cells of the fish due to osmosis, as the solute concentration inside the fish is higher than the surrounding water.
Determine the physiological response: To prevent their cells from swelling and bursting due to excess water intake, freshwater fish excrete a large amount of very dilute urine to remove the excess water.
Conclude the reason for excretion: The excretion of dilute urine helps maintain osmotic balance within the fish's body, ensuring that the internal environment remains stable despite the constant influx of water.
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