Biology Chapter 6 Flashcards
For efficient gas exchange, should surface area be comparatively small or large compared to its volume?
Large
Small organisms generally have relatively ____ surfaces compared with their volumes
Large
Large organisms have relatively ____ surfaces compared with their volumes
Smaller
Why is diffusion alone insufficient for the needs of many organisms?
Oxygen would take too long to diffuse through the organism
what are 2 ways organisms have overcome slow diffusion?
- Flattened, no cell far away from the surface
2. Specialised gas exchange organs
5 features of adapted exchange surfaces:
- Large surface area to volume ratio
- Very thin
- Partially permeable
- Movement of environmental medium
- Movement of internal medium
Why are specialised exchange surfaces located on the inside of the body?
They are thin and can be easily damaged
Gas exchange in single-celled organisms occurs by:
Diffusion
2 ways in which insects can reduce water loss:
- Waterproof covering
2. Small surface area to volume ratio
What are tracheoles:
Small branches of the trachea
What increases ventilation in insects?
Muscle movements
What are spiracles?
Tiny pores on the surface of the body
Describe 2 ways in which gases can move in and out of the tracheal system:
- Along a diffusion gradient, as oxygen is used up in respiration and carbon dioxide is produced. Therefore, oxygen moves in and carbon dioxide moves out
- Ventilation, aided by the movement of insect’s muscles
Why must insects be small in order for this system of gas exchange to function properly?
Short diffusion pathway
What is the name of the specialised gas exchange system in fish?
The gills
Where are the gills located?
Behind the head
What is the function of the gill lamellae?
To increase the gill surface area
What is the countercurrent flow?
Water if forced over the gill lamellae in the opposite direction to the way the blood flows through the lamellae
Why is the countercurrent flow important?
To ensure maximum possible gas exchange