Water Movement and Regulation

Concentration gradients

Influence water movement between organism and environment

Water gradient

Water moves high to low concentration areas

Microclimate

Affects water loss or gain

Evaporation

Causes water loss by terrestrial organisms

Vapor pressure deficit (vpd)

Difference in vapor content affecting water gradient

Evaporative cooling

Works best in dry climates

Root system adaptations

Reflect water availability differences

Water acquisition by animals

Terrestrial animals satisfy needs via eating and drinking

Water conservation strategies

Include waterproof covering, concentrated waste, and behavioral changes

Diffusion in aquatic environments

Water moves high to low concentration

Osmosis

Water diffusion through semi-permeable membrane

Freshwater fish salt balance

Excrete excess water as dilute urine, absorb salts in gills

Marine fish salt balance

Marine bony fish lose water to surroundings, drink seawater