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Question #46175
The Question
Two marine fishes, Fish X (belonging to class Chondrichthyes) and Fish Y (belonging to class Osteichthyes), are caught in a deep-sea net and rapidly hauled to the surface. Which of the following statements correctly describes the differential impact of this rapid vertical migration on their buoyancy regulation mechanisms?
Options
- A.
Fish X will suffer severe internal tissue damage due to the rapid expansion of squalene in its liver, while Fish Y regulates its buoyancy seamlessly using its heterocercal tail.
- B.
Fish Y is highly susceptible to barotrauma due to the expansion of gases in its air bladder, whereas Fish X remains relatively unaffected as it relies on an incompressible lipid-rich liver and constant swimming for lift.
- C.
Fish X lacks an air bladder and relies on a homocercal tail for dynamic lift, making it immune to pressure changes, while Fish Y uses a lipid-rich liver for hydrostatic equilibrium.
- D.
Fish Y will actively secrete more gas into its air bladder to compensate for the rapid decrease in environmental pressure, while Fish X must stop swimming to avoid floating to the surface.
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
Chondrichthyes|Osteichthyes|Air_Bladder|Lipid_Rich_Liver
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating the NCERT anatomical differences between Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes with the physical principles of hydrostatic pressure.
The trap relies on students memorizing 'air bladder regulates buoyancy' without understanding the physical vulnerability (barotrauma) it creates during rapid pressure changes compared to the incompressible lipid-based buoyancy of sharks.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Chondrichthyes vs. Osteichthyes Buoyancy |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |