Brine shrimp live in salt water, but the level of salt in the water where they reside can differ dramatically from day to day, or longer time scales. In very high salt concentrations, a brine shrimp _____ salt across its gills, and maintains an internal salt concentration that is _____ relative to the water where it lives. In lower salt concentrations, a brine shrimp _____ salt water across its gills, and maintain an internal salt concentration that is _____ relative to the water where it lives.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In very high salt concentrations, a brine shrimp excretes salt to avoid too much salt accumulation, maintaining an internal salt concentration that is hypotonic (lower salt concentration) relative to the water. In lower salt concentrations, it absorbs salt water to maintain an internal salt concentration that is hypertonic (higher salt concentration) relative to the water.

Brine Shrimp Live in Salt Water, but the Level of Salt