Final answer:
The maximum snorkeling depth for an elephant would differ between salt water and freshwater due to the difference in water density, with salt water's greater density providing a higher buoyant force and potentially allowing for greater depth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum depth at which an elephant could snorkel in salt water compared to freshwater would indeed be different due to the difference in water density. Salt water is more dense than freshwater, which means the buoyant force exerted on objects in salt water is greater. This increased buoyancy would allow the elephant to snorkel at a greater depth in salt water than in freshwater. When comparing the ability to stay submerged, we must take into account the concept of buoyancy and how it relates to the density of the liquid in which an organism is submerged.
For instance, marine invertebrates that are isotonic with their environment are able to maintain buoyancy effortlessly, and only expend about five percent of their energy on osmoregulation. In contrast, freshwater fish live in a hypotonic environment relative to their cells, leading to active salt intake and dilute urine excretion. Similarly, saltwater fish are in a hypertonic environment and must secrete salt through their gills while excreting concentrated urine.
Therefore, in the case of an elephant snorkeling, the greater density of salt water compared to freshwater would potentially allow the elephant to snorkel deeper as the water's increased density provides a greater upward force. However, practical limitations such as the length of the snorkel and the elephant's physical capability to manage the pressure changes may ultimately define the snorkeling depth.