Problem 5 - Campbell Biology

Question

One feature that amphibians and humans have in common is (A) the number of heart chambers. (B) a complete separation of circuits for circulation. (C) the number of circuits for circulation. (D) a low blood pressure in the systemic circuit.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option C: the number of circuits for circulation.

Step 1 - Understand the question

Identify the common feature being asked about amphibians and humans. The options relate to features of their circulatory systems.

Step 2 - Review Amphibian Circulatory System

Amphibians typically have a three-chambered heart and their circulation includes a double circuit: pulmonary and systemic.

Step 3 - Review Human Circulatory System

Humans have a four-chambered heart and their circulation includes a double circuit: pulmonary and systemic.

Step 4 - Compare the Circulatory Systems

Compare the circulatory systems of amphibians and humans: humans have four heart chambers while amphibians have three. Both have a double circuit for circulation but only humans have a complete separation of circuits. Low blood pressure in systemic circulation isn't a common feature.

Step 5 - Choose the Correct Answer

Option C is correct because both amphibians and humans have two circuits for circulation.

Key Concepts

amphibian circulatory system

Amphibians, like frogs, have a unique circulatory system that is quite different from that of mammals. They possess a three-chambered heart consisting of two atria and one ventricle. Because an amphibian's heart has only one ventricle, deoxygenated and oxygenated blood can mix. However, their circulatory system still effectively transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. Amphibians have a double circuit circulation which includes the pulmonary circuit (pumping blood to the lungs and skin for oxygenation) and the systemic circuit (pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body). This circulatory system allows amphibians to efficiently manage their metabolic needs both on land and in water.

human circulatory system

The human circulatory system is more complex and efficient compared to that of amphibians. Humans have a four-chambered heart, featuring two atria and two ventricles. This structure ensures complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The double circuit circulation comprises the pulmonary circuit (pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation) and the systemic circuit (pumping oxygenated blood to the entire body). This separation allows humans to maintain high blood pressure in the systemic circuit, ensuring that all body tissues receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. The efficiency and design of the human circulatory system support higher metabolic rates and more active lifestyles.

double circuit circulation

Both amphibians and humans utilize a double circuit circulatory system. In both cases, there are two circuits: the pulmonary circuit, which handles blood flow between the heart and the lungs, and the systemic circuit, which handles blood flow between the heart and the rest of the body. In amphibians, the double circuit involves a three-chambered heart where blood partially mixes in the single ventricle. In humans, the four-chambered heart ensures complete separation of the two circuits. Double circuit circulation allows for more efficient oxygenation of blood and distribution to body tissues, supporting various levels of activity and metabolism in different organisms.