Explain how a fish is adapted for gas exchange?

A fish had gills, made up of gill filaments containing lamellae, which provide a very large surface area for oxygen to diffuse out of the water as it moves over them. The blood vessels are in very close proximity to the lamellae, allowing a short diffusion pathway. A fish also utilises a countercurrent system, where the blood flows in the opposite direction to the water across the gills. This allows a concentration gradient to be maintained, so oxygen moves into the blood along the entire length of the gill.

Answered by Biology tutor

43277 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Glycogen and amylose are used for energy storage. Glycogen is found in animals. Amylose is found in plants. Describe how the structure of glycogen allows it to perform its function and explain the advantage to animals of using glycogen as an energy


What is the difference between vertical and horizontal transmission of antibiotic resistance between bacteria?


How do two neurones interact at synapse?


What is cancer?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning