Chapter 3: Problem 3

What property of water allows aquatic organisms to function with far fewer supportive structures (tissues) than terrestrial organisms have?

Short Answer

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Based on the step-by-step solution, explain the property of water that allows aquatic organisms to function with fewer supportive structures than terrestrial organisms. The property of water that allows aquatic organisms to function with fewer supportive structures than terrestrial organisms is buoyancy. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted on an object submerged in a fluid, such as water, counteracting the force of gravity. This enables aquatic organisms to maintain their shape and function with less need for strong supportive structures like bones or exoskeletons. In contrast, terrestrial organisms require more rigid and robust structures to support their weight against gravity.

Step by step solution

Understanding the requirements of aquatic and terrestrial organisms

Aquatic organisms live in water, which has different properties than the air that terrestrial organisms live in. This difference in the environment results in varying requirements for the supportive structures that these organisms need to maintain their shape and function properly.

Identify the property of water that provides support

The key property of water that provides support to aquatic organisms is buoyancy. The buoyant force in water counteracts the force of gravity, making it easier for aquatic organisms to maintain their shape with less need for strong supportive structures such as bones or exoskeletons.

Explain buoyancy

Buoyancy is the upward force exerted on an object submerged in a fluid, such as water. This force is exerted because the fluid pressure increases with depth, causing a pressure difference between the top and bottom of the object. In water, the buoyant force acts to counteract the force of gravity, allowing aquatic organisms to float or have their weight partially supported by the water.

Examples of the impact of buoyancy on aquatic organisms

Due to buoyancy, many aquatic organisms have evolved to have lighter skeletons, less dense muscles, or even gas-filled chambers to help them float and maintain their shape with minimal need for supportive structures. For example, jellyfish lack a rigid exoskeleton, but their gelatinous bodies are held up in the water due to buoyancy. Similarly, many fish have swim bladders, which are gas-filled chambers that help them adjust their buoyancy, allowing them to float or sink in the water without expending much energy on supportive structures.

Comparison with terrestrial organisms

Terrestrial organisms, on the other hand, are not supported by buoyancy. They must have more rigid and robust structures, such as bones or exoskeletons, to maintain their shape and support their weight against the force of gravity. This results in the need for more extensive and specialized supportive tissues in terrestrial organisms as compared to aquatic organisms. In conclusion, the property of water that allows aquatic organisms to function with fewer supportive structures than terrestrial organisms is buoyancy. This force counteracts the effect of gravity, making it easier for aquatic organisms to maintain their shape and function with less reliance on robust supportive structures.

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What property of water allows aquatic organisms to function with far fewer supportive structures (tissues) than terrestrial organisms have?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the requirements of aquatic and terrestrial organisms

Identify the property of water that provides support

Explain buoyancy

Examples of the impact of buoyancy on aquatic organisms

Comparison with terrestrial organisms

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