In a marine environment, animals that are isoosmotic relative to their environment __________.

• A. experience significant water gain by osmosis
• B. experience significant water loss by osmosis
• C. must expend energy on the active transport of solutes from their bodies to the environment
• D. can only survive in terrestrial environments
• E. experience no net water loss by osmosis

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
2. Define isoosmotic: An organism is isoosmotic with its environment when the concentration of solutes inside its body is equal to the concentration of solutes in the surrounding environment.
3. Analyze the implications of being isoosmotic: Since the solute concentrations are equal, there is no concentration gradient to drive the movement of water in or out of the organism's cells.
4. Consider the options given: If there is no net movement of water, the organism will not experience significant water gain or loss by osmosis.
5. Conclude the correct statement: Animals that are isoosmotic relative to their environment experience no net water loss or gain by osmosis, maintaining equilibrium with their surroundings.