Question

What happens during osmoregulation?

Answer 1

Osmoregulation:

1. It is the process of maintaining water and electrolyte balance in an organism, maintaining homeostasis.
2. Osmoregulators maintain a constant internal environment.
3. There are 2 major types of osmoregulation: Osmoconformers and Osmoregulators.

Osmoconformers:

1. Osmoconformers are organisms that try to match the osmolarity of their body with their surroundings.
2. For example, marine invertebrates like starfish, jellyfish and lobsters are referred as osmoconformers.

Osmoregulators

1. Osmoregulators are organisms that actively regulate their osmotic pressure, independent of the surrounding environment.
2. For example many vertebrates, including humans, are said to be osmoregulatory. Most freshwater fish are osmoregulatory too.