Question

How does a marine iguana maintain homeostasis despite ingesting large amounts of salt with its food?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is: B.Marine iguanas sneeze excess salt out of their bodies.

Explanation:

Osmotic balance is a huge part of maintaining homeostasis. Since marine iguanas ingest large amounts of salt with its food, the risk of osmotic imbalance would be big if these animals wouldn't be able to get rid of the salt (because salt drags water with it, and the constant salt ingestion would eventually lead to dehydration).

To prevent this life-threatening risk, marine iguanas sneeze the excess salt. This way they can dispose of salt without losing any water.

The excessive amount of salt that travels through the iguana's bloodstream is collected in a gland that marine iguanas have above their eyes. Through this gland, iguanas "sneeze" the unwanted salt out.