Problem 61 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

The mode of respiration in rabbit is (a) Cutaneous (b) Mucosal (c) Tracheal (d) Pulmonary

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The mode of respiration in rabbit is Pulmonary

Step 1: Understanding Respiration

Respiration in organisms is a process involving the intake of oxygen which is necessary for cellular metabolism and the release of carbon dioxide which is a metabolic byproduct. This process can vary across different types of organisms but ultimately, it involves a specialized organ or system that functions to facilitate the exchange of gases.

Step 2: Identifying Respiration in Rabbits

Rabbits, being mammals, use their lungs as the main organ for respiration which means their mode of respiration is carried out through Pulmonary Respiration.

Step 3: Answer

Based on the given options and the identified respiration system in rabbits, the correct answer is (d) Pulmonary.

Key Concepts

Pulmonary Respiration

Pulmonary respiration refers to the breathing process in organisms, particularly mammals, that utilize lungs for gas exchange. In this mechanism, air is inhaled through the respiratory pathways until it reaches the lungs. Here, oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is expelled from the bloodstream to be exhaled. This process ensures cells receive the oxygen needed for metabolism and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Pulmonary respiration is essential for sustaining life as it keeps oxygen levels adequate for cellular functions.

• Inhalation involves the diaphragm contracting and moving downward, expanding the chest cavity allowing air to fill the lungs.
• Exhalation is the process where the diaphragm relaxes, reducing the chest cavity's size, and air is pushed out of the lungs.

This cycle of inhalation and exhalation is continuous, enabling efficient gas exchange necessary for metabolic activities.

Mammalian Respiration

Mammalian respiration is characterized by the use of lungs for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion. Mammals, including humans and rabbits, have a specific respiratory structure known as the pulmonary system to process these gases. This system is part of how mammals manage to extract large quantities of oxygen from the air to fuel their high metabolic demands.
Key features of mammalian respiration include:

• The use of alveoli, small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs efficiently due to their large surface area.
• An extensive network of blood vessels that helps transport oxygen from the alveoli to different parts of the body while collecting carbon dioxide for expulsion.

During respiration, oxygen travels through the respiratory tract, which includes the nose or mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and alveoli. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles play crucial roles in changing the pressure in the thoracic cavity to enable breathing. To support these functions, mammals also have advanced cardiac systems that ensure the effective circulation of gases and maintain homeostasis.

Gas Exchange in Animals

The process of gas exchange in animals is a vital biological function that allows oxygen to enter the organism and carbon dioxide to exit. Different animal groups have evolved various mechanisms to handle gas exchange depending on their habitat and metabolic needs. For example, fish use gills, insects rely on tracheae, and mammals make use of lungs.
Gas exchange involves the diffusion of gases across moist exchange surfaces. Here's an overview:

• In mammals, it occurs in the alveoli where the blood gains oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
• For aquatic animals, such as fish, gills extract dissolved oxygen from water while expelling carbon dioxide.

This exchange is governed by principles of partial pressure, where gases move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration. This passive movement allows for efficient transfer concurrently as blood flow keeps the system dynamic. Understanding the diversity of respiratory systems in nature highlights the adaptability of organisms in various environments, each optimized for maximizing gas exchange efficiency.