Why should different animals have different haemoglobin types

Some animals contain haemoglobin molecules which are structured in way which allows them to have a high affinity for oxygen whilst some are the complete reverse. The reason for this is all to do with the environment in which that organism lives.For example, if an animal lives in a high altitude environment where there is little oxygen available, it would be an advantage to have a haemoglobin type which has a high affinity with oxygen so it can absorb as much as possible from the little there is available.On the opposite end of the spectrum, an animal with a high metabolic rate such as a rodent requires a lot of oxygen to use in cellular respiration. This provides it with  enough energy to carry out its daily routine. Therefore in this case, a haemoglobin type which has a high affinity for oxygen isn't advantageous. Instead, rodents have more haemoglobin which dissociate with oxygen more regularly, releasing it into tissues. Provided, there's enough oxygen in the organisms environment, its far better off having a haemoglobin which releases oxygen more easily than one which takes it up easily. 

BW
Answered by Benito W. Biology tutor

25008 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Using the Hardy Weinberg principle, calculate the frequency of the heterozygous genotype in the population if the frequency of the dominant allele p is 0.864. Express your answer as a percentage of the population.


Explain how the structure of an enzyme allows for it to act as a biological catalyst


(b) In healthy lungs, a gradient is maintained between the concentration of oxygen in the alveoli and the concentration of oxygen in the lung capillaries. (i) Describe how ventilation helps to maintain this difference in oxygen concentration.


Describe the changes that take place to maintain glucose concentration in exercise.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning