[Campbell Biology P.993] Which of the following statements accurately describes a difference... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes a difference in breathing mechanisms among the animals discussed in the text?

  • A: Mammals, like amphibians, primarily use positive pressure breathing to inflate their lungs.
  • B: Birds exhibit a highly efficient breathing system with unidirectional airflow through their lungs, unlike amphibians and mammals.
  • C: Amphibian breathing relies solely on skin gas exchange, with lungs playing a minor role.
  • D: All terrestrial vertebrates mentioned use a diaphragm to facilitate breathing.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that birds pass air over the gas exchange surface in only one direction, making their ventilation highly efficient. Amphibians use positive pressure breathing, inflating lungs with forced airflow, which is different from mammals who use negative pressure breathing, though not explicitly detailed for mammals here, it's implied by the general "breathing ventilates the lungs" context .