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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains whether fish can 'drown'?
A
Yes, fish always drown when they are underwater for too long.
B
No, fish can survive indefinitely without oxygen.
C
Yes, fish can 'drown' if they are unable to extract oxygen from water due to low oxygen levels or damaged gills.
D
No, fish cannot 'drown' because they do not require oxygen to survive.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of 'drowning' in the context of fish. Drowning typically refers to the inability to obtain oxygen, which leads to suffocation. For fish, this means they cannot extract oxygen from water effectively.
Step 2: Recognize how fish breathe. Fish use gills to extract dissolved oxygen from water. Water flows over the gill filaments, and oxygen diffuses into the blood while carbon dioxide diffuses out.
Step 3: Consider scenarios where fish might 'drown.' Fish can 'drown' if the water has very low oxygen levels (hypoxia) or if their gills are damaged, preventing them from extracting oxygen efficiently.
Step 4: Address misconceptions. Fish cannot survive indefinitely without oxygen because oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, which provides energy for their survival.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct explanation is: Yes, fish can 'drown' if they are unable to extract oxygen from water due to low oxygen levels or damaged gills.