Which of the following environmental conditions poses/presents the strongest physiological challenge for a fish swimming into an estuary from a river?
A) The high water flow would make the fish expend more energy.
B) The low oxygen content would give the fish difficulty in swimming aerobically.
C) The temperature change would stress the fish by denaturing its proteins.
D) The change in water solute content would challenge the osmotic balance of the fish.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The change in water solute content (from freshwater to saltwater or vice versa) presents a significant osmotic challenge to fish moving between river and estuarine environments. This affects their ability to maintain internal water and salt balance.

Which of the Following Environmental Conditions Poses/presents the Strongest Physiological