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Question #46128
The Question
A marine cnidarian and a terrestrial insect (arthropod) are both subjected to acute hyperthermic stress, which exponentially increases their metabolic demand. Based on their respiratory physiology, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding their compensatory mechanisms and limitations?
Options
- A.
In the insect, hyperthermia increases metabolic oxygen demand, forcing prolonged spiracular opening that significantly increases the risk of desiccation.
- B.
The cnidarian's gas exchange is severely constrained by the decreased solubility of oxygen in warmer water and its strict reliance on simple diffusion.
- C.
To meet the heightened oxygen demand, the insect relies on respiratory pigments in its hemolymph to rapidly increase oxygen transport from the spiracles to deep tissues.
- D.
Unlike the insect's ability to actively ventilate its tracheal system, the cnidarian cannot actively ventilate a respiratory surface and relies solely on ambient partial pressure gradients.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Arthropoda Respiratory Diversity|Thermal Tolerance Ranges|Cnidarian Polymorphism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate the circulatory and respiratory systems.
The trap relies on the 'Common Misconception' that all complex animals use their circulatory fluid (hemolymph/blood) to transport oxygen.
In insects, the tracheal system is entirely decoupled from the circulatory system for gas exchange, making any mention of hemolymph-mediated O2 transport fundamentally incorrect.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Cnidarian Polymorphism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |