Question

characteristics of life ii
salmon are born in fresh water but migrate out to marine waters for most of their life. eventually, they return to the place they were born to spawn. because migrating between fresh water and saltwater affects the balance of water in their body, salmon have evolved an internal control system called osmoregulation that restores water balance by negative feedback. this is an example of which characteristic of life?
multiple choice
response to the environment
energy transformation
adaptation
reproduction and development
maintaining homeostasis

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• "response to the environment" usually refers to a short - term reaction to a stimulus, while osmoregulation is a long - term internal control for balance.
• "energy transformation" is about converting energy forms (like photosynthesis or cellular respiration), which is not related to water balance.
• "adaptation" is a long - term evolutionary change in a population, but here we are talking about an individual's internal control system for maintaining balance.
• "reproduction and development" is about producing offspring and growth, not related to water balance.
• "maintaining homeostasis" means keeping a stable internal environment. Salmon's osmoregulation system restores water balance, which is maintaining homeostasis.

Answer:

maintaining homeostasis