Refer to the Figure

question 89

Multiple Choice

Refer to the figure.
The two chambers in the figure are separated by a semipermeable membrane. What will happen to the fluid levels if salt is added to the left chamber?

• A) The solute concentration of the left chamber will increase, but the liquid levels will not change.
• B) The difference in solute concentration will push salt and water molecules through the membrane until the concentrations are equivalent, which will overcome gravity and result in a higher level of fluid in the right chamber.
• C) If enough salt is added, the difference in solute concentration will push salt molecules through the membrane until the osmotic pressure is less extreme, but the liquid levels will not change.
• D) Water molecules from the right chamber will pass through the membrane until the ratio of water to salt is the same in both chambers, resulting in a higher level of fluid in the left chamber, despite gravity.

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Definitions:

Net Primary Productivity

The rate at which plants in an ecosystem produce net useful chemical energy; essentially, the amount of biomass created minus the amount used by plants for respiration.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plant-like organisms that live in aquatic environments, forming the base of many aquatic food webs and producing a significant portion of Earth's oxygen.

Lake Turnover

The seasonal process in lakes where water layers mix, redistributing oxygen from the surface and nutrients from the bottom.

Temperate Lake

A lake located in a temperate climate zone, experiencing moderate temperatures and distinct seasonal changes.