Question

Describe three different respiratory systems that are designed to work in air, in soil, or water environments. Include in your descriptions the limitations and advantages of these three different respiratory system designs.

Answer 1

Respiration is as process where exchange of gases takes place to generated energy for metabolism. Oxygen is taken and carbon dioxide is released Oxygen taken up is utilized to make energy sources thorough oxidation of carbon sources like glucose.

Different animals apply different mode of respiration for their energy production.

Respiration in fishes

Respiration in fishes is example of the respiration in water. Respiration in fish occurs by concurrent exchange of gases by fish gill. Gills have blood vessel running thorough it which are very thin making it best for gaseous exchange. As the water flows from the fish mouth with is along with oxygen dissolved in it gets passed through the gills and blood vessels present in gills extract the oxygen from the water and send in the blood circulation and rest of water is released from the gills.

Advantages:

As oxygen flows along with water inside the fish mouth more amount of oxygen flow is seen as the density of oxygen inside is less compare to outside of body hence it will easier for fish respiration in water.

Disadvantages:

For the oxygen intake there should be continuous supply of water hence fish should be water continuous water and any devoid of water will lead death of fish with no oxygen supply

Respiration in earthworm:

Earthworm respiration can be considered as respiration in soil. Thee exchange of gases in earthworm takes place by skin. Skin has small blood vessel by which the diffusion of gases inside out takes place. For he diffusion of gases the skin is maintained moist. With moist condition of skin the diffusion of gases occur easily. After diffusion of gases the oxygen mixed with hemoglobin in blood and form oxy hemoglobin and release in to organs.

Advantages:

As the respiration is by skin they can be burrowed under the soil and can sustain low oxygen levels

Disadvantages:

As these organisms have mucous layer on their skin and should be kept moist earthworm movement is restricted to night and they avoid day time venture to avoid drying of skin

Respiration in humans:

   Respiration in humans takes place by lungs. Lungs intake oxygen and release carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Lungs with exhalation and inhalation carry out the respiration process.

Advantages:

With easily free oxygen in environment there are no major issues in the respiration problem in humans.

Disadvantages:

As humans inhale the direct air to take out oxygen there are chances that the air might be polluted and which may be also ingested.