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Multiple Choice
What will happen to a saltwater fish if it is placed in freshwater?
A
It will lose water by osmosis and become dehydrated.
B
It will gain water by osmosis and may swell or die.
C
It will remain unaffected because osmosis does not occur in fish.
D
It will adapt immediately with no physiological changes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
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.
Recognize the difference between saltwater and freshwater environments: Saltwater has a higher solute concentration compared to freshwater, meaning the fish's internal environment is adapted to high salinity.
Analyze the fish's physiology: Saltwater fish are adapted to regulate their internal salt and water balance in a high-salinity environment. Their cells are hypertonic compared to freshwater.
Predict the effect of placing the fish in freshwater: In freshwater, the external environment has a lower solute concentration than the fish's internal environment. Water will move into the fish's cells by osmosis.
Conclude the physiological impact: The influx of water can cause the fish's cells to swell, potentially leading to physiological stress or death if the fish cannot adapt quickly to the change in osmotic pressure.