A necropsy (postmortem analysis)of a marine sea star that died after it was mistakenly placed in fresh water would likely show that it died because
A) it was stressed and needed more time to acclimate to the new conditions.
B) it was so hyperosmotic to the fresh water that it could not osmoregulate.
C) the sea star's kidneys could not handle the change in ionic content presented by the fresh water.
D) its contractile vacuoles ruptured.
E) its cells dehydrated and lost the ability to metabolize.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marine sea stars are adapted to live in an environment with a higher concentration of salt than fresh water. When placed in fresh water, they become hyperosmotic and cannot osmoregulate. This causes an imbalance in their cells and leads to death. A necropsy would likely show physiological changes consistent with osmotic stress.

A Necropsy (Postmortem Analysis)of a Marine Sea Star That Died