¶¶¶ The organism that lives in water such as a fish obtains oxygen for respiration which is dissolved in water. Whereas the terrestrial organisms take in oxygen directly from the air. Since the amount of oxygen dissolved in water is fairly low as compared to the amount of oxygen in the air, breathing rate in aquatic organisms is much faster than terrestrial organisms.

Advantage of Terrestrial Organisms in Obtaining Oxygen for Respiration

Terrestrial organisms live on land and have evolved certain adaptations that give them an advantage over aquatic organisms in obtaining oxygen for respiration. Some of the advantages are:

1. Greater availability of oxygen

Terrestrial organisms have access to more oxygen than aquatic organisms because the concentration of oxygen in air is much higher than in water. The atmospheric oxygen concentration is approximately 21%, while the dissolved oxygen concentration in water varies from 1 to 8 mg/L. Therefore, terrestrial organisms have a greater oxygen supply, which allows them to perform aerobic respiration more efficiently.

2. Efficient respiratory system

Terrestrial organisms have evolved an efficient respiratory system, which allows them to extract oxygen from the air efficiently. The respiratory system of most terrestrial organisms consists of lungs or tracheae, which are highly specialized organs designed to maximize the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the environment.

3. Well-developed circulatory system

Terrestrial organisms have a well-developed circulatory system that transports oxygen from the lungs or tracheae to the body tissues. The circulatory system of most terrestrial organisms consists of a heart and blood vessels, which work together to ensure that oxygen is delivered to all parts of the body.

4. Adaptations to reduce water loss

Terrestrial organisms have evolved adaptations to reduce water loss, which is important because water is essential for many physiological processes, including respiration. For example, plants have developed specialized structures called stomata, which allow them to take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss. Similarly, some animals have developed adaptations such as waterproof skin or scales that reduce water loss through evaporation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, terrestrial organisms have several advantages over aquatic organisms in obtaining oxygen for respiration. These advantages include a greater availability of oxygen, an efficient respiratory system, a well-developed circulatory system, and adaptations to reduce water loss. These adaptations have allowed terrestrial organisms to thrive on land and occupy a wide range of ecological niches.