An examination of a marine star fish that had 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 hypertonic to the fresh water that it could not osmoregulate
C) its kidney had ruptured
D) its cells dehydrated and lost the ability to metabolise

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marine organisms are adapted to live in a hypertonic environment (higher salt concentration) and have specialized mechanisms to regulate their osmotic balance. When placed in fresh water, the starfish would face a hypotonic environment (lower salt concentration) and would not be able to osmoregulate. This can lead to an imbalance in fluids and electrolytes, ultimately causing death. The other options are not relevant to this situation.

An Examination of a Marine Star Fish That Had Died