Which term refers to organisms that cannot tolerate significant changes in salinity?

Prepare for the IB Marine Science SL Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Master marine ecosystems, ocean currents, and biological resources for success!

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to organisms that cannot tolerate significant changes in salinity?

Explanation:
Organisms that cannot tolerate significant changes in salinity have a very narrow salinity tolerance, described as stenohaline. They struggle or fail to survive if the salt concentration of their environment shifts much from what they’re adapted to, so they’re typically restricted to stable salinity environments. In contrast, organisms that can handle a wide range of salinities are called euryhaline. The other terms don’t fit this concept: stenothermal would refer to a limited temperature range, not salinity; sessile describes organisms that are fixed in place rather than mobile; and Wave Shock isn’t a standard term used to describe salinity tolerance.

Organisms that cannot tolerate significant changes in salinity have a very narrow salinity tolerance, described as stenohaline. They struggle or fail to survive if the salt concentration of their environment shifts much from what they’re adapted to, so they’re typically restricted to stable salinity environments. In contrast, organisms that can handle a wide range of salinities are called euryhaline.

The other terms don’t fit this concept: stenothermal would refer to a limited temperature range, not salinity; sessile describes organisms that are fixed in place rather than mobile; and Wave Shock isn’t a standard term used to describe salinity tolerance.

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