• Question: How are amphibians lungs different to ours?

    Asked by Julen to Carrie, Ellen, Rupert on 16 Mar 2017. This question was also asked by ELLISRUDGE69.
    • Photo: Ellen Williams

      Ellen Williams answered on 16 Mar 2017:

      Human lungs are a bit more complex than amphibian lungs but they are relatively similar in terms of structure. We both need oxygen to breathe – for humans this is done exclusively through the lungs and for amphibians it is done through both the lungs and the skin! Frogs also use their lungs to help them stay buoyant when they are swimming. The way we actually use our lungs to get air in and out is slightly different. Humans use the diaphragm to help us breathe whereas amphibians use muscles in their throat sacs.

    • Photo: Rupert Marshall

      Rupert Marshall answered on 16 Mar 2017:

      Most amphibians have lungs like ours but can also breathe through their skin. Some small amphibians only breathe through their skin, including small frogs. You can read about them here:
      http://www.livescience.com/7477-bizarre-frog-lungs.html

    • Photo: Carrie Ijichi

      Carrie Ijichi answered on 17 Mar 2017:

      Cool question and I’ve learnt from Ellen and Rupert’s answers too!

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