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Regulation

physiological function. Osmoregulation is
4. A group of researchers wants to
introduce species of amphibians from the process by which organisms regulate
hot climate into a cold mountainous the concentration of solutes and water
region. Based on your knowledge within their body fluids in order to maintain
about thermoregulation, predict the osmotic pressure at a constant level. This
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possible challenges these amphibians regulation is achieved through mechanisms
might face and propose strategies that either removes excess water or solutes.
to help them adapt to the new This is because movement of water into
environment. and out of cells is influenced by the
concentration of salts. For example, when
5. (a) Compare the thermoregulatory salt concentration in the blood becomes
mechanisms of an elephant and a high, water will move by osmosis out of
lizard. cells into the blood. This will result into
(b) Explain the advantages and diluting the blood and thereby lowering
disadvantages of their respective fluid osmotic pressure.
adaptations, and how these
differences influence their habitats When concentration of salts in the cells is
and behaviours. high, water will move from the blood into
6. Climate change is causing rising the cells hence the osmotic pressure in the
global temperatures. Predict how cells will increase. The maintenance of
this might impact both endothermic constant osmotic pressure of the body fluid
and ectothermic animals. Suggest is very important for the proper functioning
strategies that wildlife conservationists of the cells. In case the osmotic pressure
could use to help animals cope with of the intercellular fluid falls below that
such environmental changes. of the intracellular fluid, cells gain water
by osmosis. This leads to the swelling of
Osmoregulation the cells, which may even result into the
bursting of the cells. If osmotic pressure
Task 5.5 of intercellular fluid rises above that of the

Search from the library and internet intracellular fluid, cells will lose water by
sources on the information about the osmosis as a result the cells will shrink and
concept of osmoregulation in mammals. may cause cell death. Both effects disrupt
Write short notes about the searched the biological processes in the body.
information.
Factors affecting the content of salts
The concept of osmoregulation in and water in the body
mammals Several factors influence the regulation
The balance of water and mineral salts of salt and water levels in the body.
in a mammal’s body must be maintained Environmental conditions play a significant
within a narrow range to ensure optimal role, as high temperatures increase water

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