An examination of a marine sea star 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 metabolize

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marine sea stars are adapted to living in a hypertonic marine environment, where the salt concentration is higher than their body fluids. If placed in fresh water, which is hypotonic, they will face difficulty osmoregulating and their cells will fill with water. This can lead to cell lysis, organ failure, and ultimately, death. The other options mentioned are not likely causes of death in this scenario.

An Examination of a Marine Sea Star That Had Died