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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how whales obtain oxygen for respiration?
A
They surface and breathe air through their blowholes.
B
They absorb oxygen through their skin while swimming.
C
They rely on photosynthesis to produce oxygen internally.
D
They extract oxygen directly from water using gills.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic requirements for respiration: All animals, including whales, need oxygen to perform cellular respiration, which is the process of converting glucose into energy (ATP). Oxygen is essential for this process.
Recognize that whales are mammals: Whales belong to the class Mammalia, meaning they share characteristics with other mammals, such as breathing air using lungs rather than extracting oxygen from water like fish do.
Learn about the blowhole: Whales have a specialized structure called a blowhole located on the top of their heads. This allows them to surface and breathe air efficiently without needing to lift their entire body out of the water.
Eliminate incorrect options: Whales do not absorb oxygen through their skin, as their skin is not adapted for gas exchange. They do not rely on photosynthesis, as they are not plants or algae. They also do not have gills, which are structures used by fish to extract oxygen from water.
Conclude the correct method: Whales obtain oxygen by surfacing and breathing air through their blowholes, which connects to their lungs, enabling them to perform respiration like other mammals.