For what kind of external environment is a saltwater fish adapted?(1 point) Responses hypertonic environment hypertonic environment isotonic environment isotonic environment osmotonic environment osmotonic environment hypotonic environment
hypotonic environment
A saltwater fish is adapted to a hypertonic environment.
A saltwater fish is adapted to live in a hypertonic environment.
To understand why this is the correct answer, let's break down the options and their definitions:
1. Hypertonic environment: This refers to an external environment that has a higher concentration of solutes (such as salt) compared to the internal environment of the fish. In order to survive in a hypertonic environment, a saltwater fish needs to have adaptations that allow it to maintain proper osmotic balance and prevent dehydration.
2. Isotonic environment: This refers to an external environment that has the same concentration of solutes as the internal environment of the fish. Isotonic environments are more commonly found in freshwater habitats, not in saltwater.
3. Osmotonic environment: This term is not commonly used and does not have a specific definition in the context of fish adaptation.
4. Hypotonic environment: This refers to an external environment that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the internal environment of the fish. Fish living in a hypotonic environment, such as freshwater, face the challenge of osmotic gain, meaning water tends to enter their bodies, potentially causing them to swell and face hydration problems.
Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is "hypertonic environment" since saltwater has a higher concentration of solutes than the fish's internal environment, and the fish needs specific adaptations to survive and thrive in such conditions.