BREATHING BEYOND HUMANS

How Other Organisms Take in Air

Respiration gives every living being the energy to move, grow, and survive. Humans have lungs to

breathe. But have you wondered how fish, worms, or insects take in air? The living world is full of

different fascinating methods of respiration!

Amoeba - Breathing Through the Cell Membrane

Meet the amoeba - a tiny, single celled creature. It doesn't have lungs, gills, or even a nose!

Instead, it "breathes" right through its cell membrane.

Oxygen from the water around it diffuses straight into the cell. And carbon dioxide moves out the same

way.This super-simple method works because amoebas are so small. Their large surface area compared

to their volume makes gas exchange quick and easy.

Earthworm -The Skin Breathers

The humble earthworm has no lungs. Its moist skin acts as the respiratory surface. Oxygen

from the water in the soil enters the tiny blood capillaries under the skin.

And the respiratory pigment haemoglobin carries it around the body. Carbon dioxide produced in

the worm's body diffuses out in the same way that's why earth worm love moist soil

Fish -Breathing Underwater with Gills

For fish, water is not just home. It's also their source of oxygen! Fish breathe using gills. They are thin structures richly supplied with blood vessels. When a fish opens its mouth, water flows in and passes over the gills. Oxygen diffuses into the blood while carbon dioxide moves out. To make breathing super-efficient, fish use a system called counter-current flow. The water and blood move in opposite directions. This clever trick helps them absorb as much oxygen as possible from the water.

Frogs -Double Life, Double Respiration

Frogs are amazing when it comes to breathing! During their tadpole stage, frogs breathe with gills, just like fish! Adult frogs can respire both on land and in water. In water, they use their moist skin to take in oxygen - just like earthworms. On land, they switch to using their lungs. This means a frog changes its breathing style as it grows up and moves between water and land. It's a true master of adaptation.

Insects-Breathing Through Tracheae

Insects like grasshoppers and cockroaches do not use blood to carry oxygen. Instead, they have a special system of tiny tubes called tracheae. Air enters through small openings on their body surface called spiracles. From there, it travels directly through the tracheae to every cell. This direct delivery system is highly efficient and ensures a constant supply of oxygen. It helps these insects stay active and respond quickly to their surroundings.

Birds-Masters of Efficient Breathing Flying takes a lot of energy. To keep up with it, birds have evolved one of the most efficient respiratory systems. Their lungs are connected to special air sacs. These keep fresh air moving through their body all the time - even when the bird is breathing out! This continuous flow of oxygen means their flight muscles never run out of oxygen. It allows birds to stay in the air for long journeys.

Microorganisms-Surviving Without Oxygen Some tiny organisms, like yeast and certain bacteria, do not need oxygen at all. They use a process called anaerobic respiration. Yeast breaks down glucose to produce alcohol, carbon dioxide, and a little energy. (This is why bread dough rises - the carbon dioxide forms bubbles!) • Lactobacillus* bacteria turn glucose into lactic acid (which helps milk turn into curd). Thus, their work is very useful to us too: from baking soft, fluffy bread to making curd and even wine.

Plants -Silent Breathers

Plants may look calm and quiet, but they are busy breathing all the time! They take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide through different parts:

Leaves use tiny openings called stomata.
Stems use small pores called lenticels.
Roots take in air from the tiny spaces between soil particles. During the day, plants do both photosynthesis and respiration. Some of the oxygen made during photosynthesis is used right away for respiration. And some of the carbon dioxide from respiration is reused for photosynthesis. At night, when there is no sunlight, only respiration continues.