You discover a new species of bacteria that grows in aquatic environments with high salt levels. While studying these bacteria, you note that their internal environment is similar to the salt concentrations in their surroundings. You also discover that the internal salt concentrations of the bacteria change as the salt concentration in their environment changes. The new species can tolerate small changes in this way, but dies from large changes because it has no mechanism for altering its own internal salt levels. What type of homeostatic mechanism is this species using to regulate its internal salt levels?
A) conformation
B) regulation
C) integration
D) assimilation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This species of bacteria is using the homeostatic mechanism of conformation to regulate its internal salt levels. Conformation is a process where an organism conforms to its environment, allowing its internal environment to match that of the external environment. The bacteria's internal salt concentrations are similar to the salt concentrations in its surroundings, and as the environment changes, so do the bacteria's internal salt concentrations. However, the bacteria cannot tolerate large changes in salt concentrations because it has no mechanism for altering its own internal salt levels.

You Discover a New Species of Bacteria That Grows in Aquatic