Mastering Osmoregulation and Excretory Systems Quiz

1. Identify the reasons why water and electrolyte homeostasis are important in animals.

Animals can survive without regulating their water and electrolyte levels

If no Electrolytes...1. muscle spasms2. confusion3. system of balance4. heart5. tired6. paralysisIf no Water..2. keep ion concentration at constant rate

Water and electrolyte balance only affects animals' appearance

Water and electrolytes are not important in animal homeostasis

2. Differentiate between osmoconformers and osmoregulators.

Osmoregulators are most commonly found in marine invertebrates.

Osmoregulators do not regulate the composition of solutes inside their cells.

Osmoconformers actively regulate osmolarity inside their bodies.

Osmoconformers and osmoregulators have distinct mechanisms for maintaining osmotic balance in their bodies, with osmoconformers adjusting to external salinity and osmoregulators actively regulating their internal osmolarity to ensure homeostasis.

Explanation

Osmoconformers and osmoregulators have distinct mechanisms for maintaining osmotic balance in their bodies, with osmoconformers adjusting to external salinity and osmoregulators actively regulating their internal osmolarity to ensure homeostasis.

3. Compare and contrast how marine, freshwater, and anadromous fishes osmoregulate.

4. Identify the three main types of nitrogenous wastes produced by animals. Which animals produce which wastes?

Acetic Acid (Insects) - moderate expense to make - slightly toxic - requires some water to excrete

Creatinine (Humans) - toxic - requires moderate amount of water to excrete

Formic Acid (Plants) - cheap energetically to produce - non-toxic - easily soluble in water

5. What are the costs and benefits of each type of waste? What is the trade-off between production of uric acid and urea?

Uric acid is more expensive to make than urea and toxic, but it is easily soluble in water.

Uric acid is the most toxic waste product, but it is easily excreted due to its solubility in water.

Urea is less expensive to make than uric acid, but it requires large amounts of water to excrete.

The correct answer highlights the key differences between uric acid and urea, especially in terms of cost, toxicity, and solubility. It also mentions the trade-off in water conservation based on the type of waste produced.

Explanation

The correct answer highlights the key differences between uric acid and urea, especially in terms of cost, toxicity, and solubility. It also mentions the trade-off in water conservation based on the type of waste produced.

6. What is the unique osmoregulatory mechanism of sharks?

Gill cells actively pump out excess salt ions

Aquaporins in gills facilitate entry of water into the blood

Sharks absorb water through their skin to maintain osmotic balance

Sharks use a rectal gland to secrete a concentrated salt solution, different from the three incorrect options provided.

Explanation

Sharks use a rectal gland to secrete a concentrated salt solution, different from the three incorrect options provided.

7. How do Malpighian tubules function in insect osmoregulation?

1. Malpighian tubules regulate the body temperature of insects.

3. Malpighian tubules play a role in the sensory perception of insects.

2. Malpighian tubules are involved in the production of digestive enzymes in insects.

8. Identify the major parts of the mammalian nephron and list the substances reabsorbed at each part.

1. Cortex 2. Medulla 3. Renal pelvis 4. Ureter

The major parts of the mammalian nephron are specific structural components involved in the filtration and reabsorption of substances in the kidney. Each part plays a crucial role in the overall function of the nephron.

Explanation

The major parts of the mammalian nephron are specific structural components involved in the filtration and reabsorption of substances in the kidney. Each part plays a crucial role in the overall function of the nephron.

9. Why is the loop of Henle crucial to the ability of the mammalian kidney to produce concentrated (high osmolarity) urine?

The loop of Henle removes excess glucose from the filtrate.

The loop of Henle is responsible for filtering out nitrogenous wastes.

The loop of Henle controls the pH balance of urine.

The loop of Henle creates a gradient by reabsorbing water and electrolytes differentially along its U shaped length, which allows the kidney to concentrate urine.

Explanation

The loop of Henle creates a gradient by reabsorbing water and electrolytes differentially along its U shaped length, which allows the kidney to concentrate urine.

10. Describe the role of antidiuretic hormone in the formation of concentrated urine in mammals.

Antidiuretic hormone stimulates urine production in mammals.

Antidiuretic hormone is released from the kidneys in response to dehydration.

Antidiuretic hormone decreases the permeability of aquaporins in epithelial cells of the collecting duct.