Multiple Select Question
Select all that apply
Select all the characteristics of lungs in terrestrial vertebrates.
external organ across which water flows
kept moist by being located inside the body
water supports the feathery filaments
saclike organs in which capillary networks are exposed to air
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
- Kept moist by being located inside the body
- Saclike organs in which capillary networks are exposed to air
Explanation:
Lungs in terrestrial vertebrates serve the purpose of respiration, enabling the organism to exchange gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide with the surrounding air. These lungs have evolved to meet the needs of land-dwelling animals, whose environments are drastically different from aquatic settings. Let’s break down the characteristics mentioned:
- External organ across which water flows:
- This characteristic applies to gills, not lungs. Gills are found in aquatic organisms and function by allowing water to flow over them, facilitating gas exchange. Lungs, on the other hand, are internal structures that do not have water flowing over them.
- Kept moist by being located inside the body:
- This is a correct characteristic of lungs. Unlike gills, which are external, lungs in terrestrial vertebrates are internal organs. They are kept moist to facilitate the efficient exchange of gases across their surface. The moist environment allows oxygen to dissolve and diffuse into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is released in the reverse direction.
- Water supports the feathery filaments:
- This is another characteristic that is true for gills, not lungs. Gills have filaments that are supported by water to aid in gas exchange. In contrast, lungs are not dependent on water for structural support.
- Saclike organs in which capillary networks are exposed to air:
- This is a key characteristic of lungs. Lungs are saclike structures that house a network of capillaries in their alveoli (tiny air sacs), where gas exchange occurs. These capillaries are exposed to air, not water, as the lungs are designed for air-breathing organisms.
Thus, lungs in terrestrial vertebrates are specialized for air respiration and are internal, moist organs with a complex system of capillaries that facilitate efficient gas exchange.
Now, I will generate the image illustrating the basic structure of lungs in terrestrial vertebrates, focusing on their sac-like nature and the capillary networks exposed to air.
Here is the illustration of the lungs of a terrestrial vertebrate, highlighting the sac-like structure and the capillary networks exposed to air. This should help visualize how the lungs function in gas exchange within the body. Let me know if you need further details!
