Respiration in Fully Grown Tadpole Larva of Frog

Tadpoles are the larval stage of frogs, and they undergo a series of metamorphosis to transform into adult frogs. During their larval stage, tadpoles have different respiratory organs compared to adult frogs. The tadpole larva of a frog respires through gills.

The Respiratory System of Tadpole Larva
During their initial stages, tadpoles respire through their skin. However, as they grow and develop, they develop external gills, located on either side of their head, which help them in respiration. These gills serve as the primary respiratory organs for tadpoles until they undergo metamorphosis and develop lungs.

Respiration through Gills
Gills are specialized structures that allow aquatic animals to extract oxygen from water. In tadpole larvae, the gills are responsible for extracting dissolved oxygen from the water and expelling carbon dioxide. The gills are made up of thin, delicate filaments that are rich in blood vessels. As water passes over the gills, oxygen diffuses across the thin walls of the gill filaments and enters the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is released into the water.

Importance of Gills for Tadpole Larvae
Since tadpole larvae are aquatic creatures and they spend most of their time in water bodies, gills are crucial for their survival. The gills allow them to respire efficiently in their aquatic environment and obtain the oxygen required for their metabolic processes. As the tadpoles grow and their bodies undergo metamorphosis, the gills start to shrink, and lungs begin to develop. Eventually, the gills disappear completely, and tadpoles transition into adult frogs with fully developed lungs for respiration.

In Summary
In conclusion, the fully grown tadpole larva of a frog respires through gills. These gills serve as the primary respiratory organs until the tadpoles undergo metamorphosis and develop lungs. The gills allow the tadpoles to extract oxygen from the water and release carbon dioxide, enabling them to respire efficiently in their aquatic environment.