Osmoregulation and Homeostasis in Animals

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to osmoregulation and homeostasis in animals, ensuring a comprehensive review for the exam.

Electrolytes

Compounds that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.

Osmoregulation

The process that helps maintain homeostasis by regulating water and solute levels in animals.

Osmosis

The movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Osmolarity

The concentration of all solutes within a solution, measured in osmoles per liter.

Hyperosmotic

A solution with a higher osmolarity compared to another solution.

Hypoosmotic

A solution with a lower osmolarity compared to another solution.

Isosmotic

When two solutions have the same osmolarity.

Osmoconformers

Organisms, like sharks and marine invertebrates, that are in osmotic equilibrium with their environment.

Osmoregulators

Organisms that actively maintain a relatively constant blood osmolarity, differing from their surrounding environment.

Challenges for Freshwater Fish

Tend to gain water by osmosis and lose electrolytes by diffusion.

Adaptations for Freshwater Fish

Drink little or no water, excrete large amounts of dilute urine, and actively take up ions through gills.

Challenges for Marine Fish

Tend to lose water by osmosis and gain electrolytes by diffusion.

Adaptations for Marine Fish

Drink large amounts of seawater, excrete concentrated urine, and actively excrete ions through gills.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Gills in Osmoregulation

Plays a key role by allowing exchange of water and electrolytes while aiding in O2 uptake.

Osmoregulation Energy Cost

Freshwater and marine fishes can expend up to 50% of their resting metabolic energy just on osmoregulation.