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

37704 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the role of positive feedback in an action potential


Explain how applying increasing pressure to a Pacinian corpuscle produces a larger change in membrane potential.


How is insulin secretion controlled?


How does antibiotic resistance develop in bacterial populations?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences