An advantage of gas exchange in fresh water, compared with gas exchange in air, is that:

a. water usually contains a higher concentration of oxygen than air

b. ventilation requires less energy in water

c. the respiratory surface does not have to be as extensive in water

d. water is easier to move over the respiratory surface

e. water loss through evaporation across the respiratory surface can be minimized

e. water loss through evaporation across the respiratory surface can be minimized

Explanation:

Exchange of gases, otherwise known as respiration is an important process in living organisms during which food material within the body is broken down to unlock their energies for the functioning of living organisms.

During gaseous exchange, oxygen gas diffuses into respiratory tissues and dissolves on respiratory surfaces while carbon dioxide diffuses in the other direction.

Respiratory surfaces are usually thin walled with moist inner surfaces that enables the dissolution of gases. Depending on the atmospheric temperature, respiratory surfaces in terrestrial organisms are at varying risks of losing moisture to the atmosphere due to evaporation.

In aquatic organisms however, evaporation from respiratory surfaces is minimized as the immediate environment is water.

Options a to d are not entirely true about water and respiration.

The correct option is e.