Question Details

The respiratory organ in reptiles is

Options

A

gills

B

epidermis

C

skin

D

lungs

Correct Answer :

lungs

Solution :

The correct option is lungs.

Let's understand the respiration process in reptiles step-by-step:
1. Definition of Respiration: Respiration is the biological process by which organisms exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) with their environment.
2. Respiratory Organs in Different Animals: Different groups of animals have adapted different organs for gas exchange based on their habitat:

  • Gills: Used by aquatic organisms like fish for extracting oxygen dissolved in water.
  • Skin/Epidermis: Used by amphibians (like frogs, through cutaneous respiration) and earthworms, which require a moist surface for gas exchange.
  • Lungs: Used by terrestrial vertebrates, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, to breathe atmospheric air.
3. Reptilian Respiration: Reptiles are primarily terrestrial vertebrates. Their skin is covered with dry, cornified scales or scutes, which prevents water loss but also makes cutaneous respiration (breathing through skin) impossible. Therefore, reptiles rely entirely on their well-developed lungs for gas exchange. Even aquatic reptiles, such as turtles and crocodiles, must surface to breathe air using their lungs.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.