Why is ion homeostasis a challenge for aquatic animals? Pick the correct answer.

Question

Why is ion homeostasis a challenge for aquatic animals? Pick the correct answer.

A. Dissolved carbon dioxide levels are often saturated, which creates fissures in the skin.

B. Aquatic animals have difficulty urinating due to the high water pressure.

C. The extraordinarily large respiratory surface area of the gill epithelium is exposed to the osmotic gradient with the environment

D. Buoyancy organs, such as the fish's gas bladder, are permeable to both water and salt.

E. Dissolved oxygen levels are often saturated, which increases osmotic pressure.

Explanation / Answer

Option C.

The extraordinarily large respiratory surface area of the gill epithelium is exposed to the osmotic gradient with the environment.

Fish gills are involved in physiological function such as respiration, ion and water balance, acid-base regulation.

Gills epithelium are exposed to the harsh environment of marine / other aquatic bodies. In order to prevent the loss the loss of water from the body due to osmotic pressure it is essential to maintain ion balance.

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