A human who has no access to fresh water but is forced to drink seawater instead
A) will thrive under such conditions, as long as he has lived at the ocean most of his life.
B) will excrete more water molecules than taken in, because of the high load of ion ingestion.
C) will develop structural changes in the kidneys to accommodate the salt overload.
D) will find that drinking saltwater satiates his thirst.
E) will risk becoming overhydrated within 12 hours.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Drinking seawater can lead to dehydration, as the high concentration of salt ions in seawater can pull water out of cells and tissues, leading to a net loss of water molecules from the body. Therefore, despite feeling thirsty, the human will excrete more water molecules than taken in due to the high load of ion ingestion.

A Human Who Has No Access to Fresh Water but Is