Review of osmoregulation mechanisms of vertebrate marine animals, the Dugong dugon, Dermochelys coriacea, Pygoscelis adeliae, and Rachycentron canadum, following ion-loading from food consumption.

Abstract

Seawater allows for a comfortable existence for a wide variety of organisms because it readily contains many dissolved ions necessary for biological function; however, the relative concentrations of ions may be troublesome for some organisms to maintain homeostasis. To combat harmful sodium and chloride ion fluctuations in their internal environment, marine osmoregulatory-organisms have specialized structures to retain or release ions from the body as needed. Excess sodium and chloride ions loading is inevitable given their environments, but as demonstrated by Dugong dugon, Dermochelys coriacea, Pygoscelis adeliae, and Rachycentron canadum, the specialized organs and mechanisms employed by these organisms are all capable of effectively maintaining their plasma osmolality in spite of external conditions.