Do all Animals have the Same Respiratory System

Do all Animals have the Same Respiratory System

Respiratory system in animals
The basic process of respiration is similar in all plants and animals, and results in the release of energy. In unicellular animals, oxygen is directly absorbed from the water or air and carbon dioxide is released by diffusion. About 21% of air is oxygen, but in water there is only about 0.5% of oxygen at normal temperatures. In higher animals, there are special organs that help in respiration:

1. Through skin In animals such as earthworms and leeches, exchange of gases takes place through the moist and slimy surface of the skin. In amphibians such as frogs, newts, and salamanders, the exchange of gases takes place through the skin (when in water), and through the lungs (when on land).
2. Through air holes In animals such as insects, there are several holes called spiracles in the body. Air enters an insect body through these spiracles and is carried through tubes called tracheal tubes. Oxygen is absorbed inside the body and carbon dioxide-rich air is sent out through these spiracles.

   

3. Through gills Most aquatic animals such as fish use special organs called gills for respiration. These gills are like slits and are made up of a large number of thread-like structures called filaments. These filaments are richly supplied with tiny blood vessels called capillaries. When water enters the body of the fish through the mouth, it flows over the gills. The blood in the capillaries absorbs oxygen from the water, and gives out carbon dioxide. This oxygen is transported by the blood.
4. Through lungs Most mammals such as cats, dogs, monkeys, horses, human beings, etc., respire through special sac-like, spongy organs called lungs. Baby frogs (tadpoles) also breathe through gills, though they breathe through skin and lungs when they grow up to become frogs.