which of the following statements comparing respiration in fish and in mammals is correct?
Which of the following statements comparing respiration in fish and in mammals is correct?
Answer: To accurately compare respiration in fish and mammals, it’s important to understand the basic mechanisms each group uses to obtain oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
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Respiration in Fish:
- Fish use gills to extract oxygen from water. Water enters through the mouth and flows over the gill membranes. Oxygen diffuses from the water into the blood vessels in the gills, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the water, which is then expelled.
- The structure of gills allows for a counter-current exchange mechanism, where blood flows in the opposite direction to water, maximizing oxygen extraction.
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Respiration in Mammals:
- Mammals breathe air using lungs. When a mammal inhales, air enters the mouth or nose and travels down the trachea to reach the lungs. Oxygen diffuses from the air into the bloodstream and is exchanged for carbon dioxide, which is exhaled.
- The respiratory system in mammals includes a diaphragm, which plays a key role in expanding and contracting the lungs.
Correct Comparison Statement:
A correct statement comparing fish and mammalian respiration might be: “Fish exchange gases in water using gills, while mammals use lungs to exchange gases in air.”
Summary: Fish breathe through gills that function well in water, utilizing a counter-current exchange to maximize oxygen uptake, whereas mammals utilize lungs to breathe air, employing a diaphragm to assist in air movement. Engage with both respiratory systems’ unique adaptations for their respective environments.