[Campbell Biology P.1027] Which statement accurately describes the key difference between an ... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately describes the key difference between an osmoconformer and an osmoregulator, based on the provided text?
A: Osmoconformers actively control their internal osmolarity, while osmoregulators maintain an internal osmolarity isoosmotic to their surroundings.
B: Osmoconformers are exclusively freshwater animals, whereas osmoregulators are exclusively marine.
C: Osmoconformers maintain an internal osmolarity similar to their external environment, while osmoregulators actively regulate their internal osmolarity independently of the external environment.
D: Osmoconformers can tolerate large fluctuations in external osmolarity, but osmoregulators cannot.
Explanation
The text states that an osmoconformer is isoosmotic with its surroundings, meaning its internal osmolarity is the same as that of its environment. In contrast, an osmoregulator controls its internal osmolarity independently of the external environment.