The Respiratory System: Alligators vs Birds Essay Example
The respiratory system: Comparing the lung structure of alligators and birds.
Vishnu Mohan
3224328
Section 15
The respiratory system: Comparing the lung structure of alligators and birds
I. Introduction
II. Background information on the alligator
* Archosaurs gave rise to the alligator sharing similar characteristics to the bird and have shown to have unidirectional airflow. (Claessens, 2004) * In alligators the air loops in a single direction through aerodynamic valves. (Sanders, 2010) * Lung is partitioned and was also used to reserve oxygen. (Roux, 2002) * Alligators have 3 rows of lung chambers, which increase gas exchange and other needs. (Duncker, 2004)
III. Background information on the bird
* Archosaurs also gave rise to the bird as well and have unidirectional air flow. (Claessens, 2004) * Oxygen in birds goes through the parabronchi which is tube similar to the function of alveoli where air flows in one direction. (Sanders 2010) * Tubular structure which is ventilated by unidirectional air flow that allows for higher consumption of oxygen when in flight unlike alligator. (Roux, 2002) * In birds air moves constantly through the lungs because of the air sacs in which oxygen directly enters. This allows them to take twice as much as oxygen by storing the oxygen into the air sacs. (Duncker, 2004)
IV. Air Sacs/Alveoli
* Birds have developed air sacs. There is a physical separation between the lungs and air sacs which permits unidirectional ventilation. (Maina, 2006) * Alligators showed signs of hyperventilation when put through exercise. They’re respiratory system does not include air sacs and don’t endure high altitudes so oxygen consumption is low.(Carrier 2000) * Alligators have similar respiratory systems as humans and have to breathe. Air flows through bronchi then leaves through the same pathway unlike birds. (Sanders, 2010) * Air flows tidally into and out of the
Vishnu Mohan
3224328
Section 15
The respiratory system: Comparing the lung structure of alligators and birds
I. Introduction
II. Background information on the alligator
* Archosaurs gave rise to the alligator sharing similar characteristics to the bird and have shown to have unidirectional airflow. (Claessens, 2004) * In alligators the air loops in a single direction through aerodynamic valves. (Sanders, 2010) * Lung is partitioned and was also used to reserve oxygen. (Roux, 2002) * Alligators have 3 rows of lung chambers, which increase gas exchange and other needs. (Duncker, 2004)
III. Background information on the bird
* Archosaurs also gave rise to the bird as well and have unidirectional air flow. (Claessens, 2004) * Oxygen in birds goes through the parabronchi which is tube similar to the function of alveoli where air flows in one direction. (Sanders 2010) * Tubular structure which is ventilated by unidirectional air flow that allows for higher consumption of oxygen when in flight unlike alligator. (Roux, 2002) * In birds air moves constantly through the lungs because of the air sacs in which oxygen directly enters. This allows them to take twice as much as oxygen by storing the oxygen into the air sacs. (Duncker, 2004)
IV. Air Sacs/Alveoli
* Birds have developed air sacs. There is a physical separation between the lungs and air sacs which permits unidirectional ventilation. (Maina, 2006) * Alligators showed signs of hyperventilation when put through exercise. They’re respiratory system does not include air sacs and don’t endure high altitudes so oxygen consumption is low.(Carrier 2000) * Alligators have similar respiratory systems as humans and have to breathe. Air flows through bronchi then leaves through the same pathway unlike birds. (Sanders, 2010) * Air flows tidally into and out of the