Gas Exchange in Vertebrates and Fish Flashcards
Why are gas exchange surfaces required to be moist?
Water molecules are very small and can pass through gas exchange surfaces.
Name a benefit of lungs being internal
They don’t lose water and heat
How are amphibians adapted for gas exchange?
Their skin is moist and permeable with a capillary network beneath it.
Gas exchange takes place through the skin and when the animal is active through the lungs too.
How are reptiles adapted for gas exchange?
Their lungs have a more complex internal structure increasing the SA for gas exchange
How are birds adapted to get the large amount of oxygen required for flight?
They have ribs and muscles that efficiently ventilate to make up for their lack of a diaphragm
Give three features of the gills
A one way current of water
Lots of folds, giving a large SA for gas exchange
A large SA as the density of the water flowing through stops the gills collapsing onto each other
