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Question #46179
The Question
Chronic systemic hypoxia triggers the release of erythropoietin (EPO), leading to polycythemia (increased RBC count) to optimize oxygen transport. If this compensatory mechanism occurs in both Scoliodon (a cartilaginous fish) and Labeo (a bony fish), which of the following statements correctly identifies a specific physiological consequence based on their anatomical differences?
Options
- A.
Scoliodon will face an unsustainable metabolic cost to maintain buoyancy, as increased blood viscosity exacerbates the cardiovascular load required for constant swimming.
- B.
Labeo will experience a complete loss of buoyancy control because the increased blood viscosity directly paralyzes the muscular walls of its swim bladder.
- C.
Scoliodon will suffer from impaired gas exchange at the rete mirabile, leading to a rapid sinking response.
- D.
Both fishes will experience a decrease in blood pressure due to the hyper-oxygenation of tissues, reducing the need for counter-current exchange at the gills.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Erythropoietin_Function|Chondrichthyes|Osteichthyes|Buoyancy
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating human physiology (EPO-induced polycythemia and blood viscosity) with animal kingdom anatomical constraints (presence vs. absence of a swim bladder).
Students often fail to connect how a compensatory mechanism (more RBCs for oxygen) can become detrimental (high viscosity) when coupled with a specific evolutionary trait (the obligate need for constant swimming in Chondrichthyes).
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 |