Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781337392938
Author: Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 46, Problem 1TYU

Test Your Understanding

1. Which of the following is a benefit of gas exchange in air compared with gas exchange in water? (a) air has a higher concentration of molecular oxygen (b) oxygen diffuses more slowly in air (c) no energy is required for ventilation (d) moist respiratory surface is not needed (e) air is denser than water

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction: The process of gas exchange that occurs between an organism and its environment is known as respiration. For cellular respiration, most of the animal cells need a continuous oxygen supply. During respiration, oxygen is inhaled from the environment and transported to individual cells of the body. Carbon dioxide produced during the cellular respiration is exhaled from the body to the environment.

Answer to Problem 1TYU

Correct answer: A benefit of gas exchange in air compared with gas exchange in water is that air has a higher concentration of molecule oxygen. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct answer:

Option (a) is given as “air has a higher concentration of molecular oxygen”.

The benefit of gas exchange in air over gas exchange in water is due to the following reasons:

  • Air medium contains high molecular oxygen concentration at least 20 times more than the water medium.
  • Energy requirement is less in air medium than the water medium to obtain oxygen.
  • Oxygen diffuses faster in air than in water, as air is less dense and less viscous.

Hence, the correct answer is option (a).

Reasons for incorrect answers:

Option (b) is given as “oxygen diffuses more slowly in air”. Diffusion of oxygen is faster in air than in water, as air is less dense and less viscous than water. Hence, option (b) is incorrect.

Option (c) is given as “no energy is required for ventilation”. Energy requirement for ventilation is less in air medium than in in water medium. Hence, option (c) is incorrect.

Option (d) is given as “moist respiratory surface is not needed”. For gas exchange between  air and blood, a moist respiratory surface is essential. Hence, option (d) is incorrect.

Option (e) is given as “air is denser than water”. Air is less dense and less viscous than water. Hence, option (e) is incorrect.

Hence, options (b), (c), (d), and (e) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The advantage of gas exchange in air compared with gas exchange in water is that air has a higher concentration of molecule oxygen.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
All human systems have the concept involving the flow of a molecule through system structures. (a) Using a flowchart (word, with > symbols), illustrate the path of air during exhalation.  (b) Describe the muscular action of the diaphragm during exhalation.  I forgot explain and tell me why
The most efficient vertebrate respiratory system is that of (a) amphibians (b) birds (c) reptiles (d) mammals (e) humans
equation. Droduct Property ess Your Learning Direction: Write the capital letter of the correct answer. 1. Which of the following statements about the human respiratory system is NOT TRUE? A. when we breathe in, air travels from the pharynx to the trachea B. the bronchioles branch into bronchi C. Alveolar ducts connect to the alveolar sacs D. gas exchange between the lungs and the blood takes place in the alveolus 2. Which of the following statements about the circulatory system is NOT TRUE? A. blood in the pulmonary vein is deoxygenated B. blood in the inferior vena cava is deoxygenated C. blood in the pulmonary artery is deoxygenated D blood in the gorto in ouganntod
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Air Pollution for Kids | Learn about the Causes and Effects of Air Pollution; Author: Learn Bright;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjtgu2CxtEk;License: Standard Youtube License