Comparative Study of Circulatory System of Scoliodon, Hoplobatrachus, Varanus, Columbia, Lepus
A comparative study of the circulatory systems of different
animals, such as Scoliodon (a shark), Hoplobatrachus (Indian bullfrog), Varanus
(monitor lizard), Columba (pigeon), and Lepus (rabbit), reveals variations in
adaptations to different lifestyles, environments, and physiological demands.
Here's a detailed comparison:
Scoliodon:
1. Heart Structure:
- The heart of
Scoliodon is two-chambered, consisting of a single atrium and a single
ventricle.
- The blood is
incompletely separated into oxygenated and deoxygenated regions within the
heart, leading to some mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
2. Circulation:
- The circulatory
system is mainly adapted for life in water, and sharks have a special
modification called the spiral valve in the conus arteriosus to prevent mixing
of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
- Oxygenated blood
is delivered to the systemic circulation, and deoxygenated blood goes to the
gills for oxygenation.
Hoplobatrachus (Indian Bullfrog):
1. Heart Structure:
- The heart is
three-chambered, with two atria and one ventricle.
- There is some
mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the single ventricle.
2. Circulation:
- The
three-chambered heart allows for partial separation of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood, but it is not as efficient as a four-chambered heart.
- Cutaneous
respiration, in addition to pulmonary respiration, is essential for gas
exchange.
Varanus:
1. Heart Structure:
- The heart is
three-chambered, similar to that of Hoplobatrachus, with two atria and one
ventricle.
2. Circulation:
- The circulatory
system is adapted to the lizard's semi-terrestrial lifestyle.
- The
three-chambered heart allows for some separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood, and the lizard relies on both pulmonary and cutaneous respiration.
Columba:
1. Heart Structure:
- The heart is
four-chambered, with two atria and two ventricles.
- Complete
separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood is achieved.
2. Circulation:
- The circulatory
system is highly efficient, suitable for sustained flight.
- Oxygenated blood
is pumped to the body, and deoxygenated blood is sent to the lungs for
oxygenation.
Lepus:
1. Heart Structure:
- The heart is
four-chambered, similar to that of Columba, with two atria and two ventricles.
2. Circulation:
- The circulatory
system is adapted to the terrestrial lifestyle of rabbits.
- Efficient
separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood allows for higher oxygen
delivery to tissues.
General Comparison:
- Sharks and amphibians (like Hoplobatrachus) have less
efficient circulatory systems with incomplete separation of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood in the heart.
- Reptiles, like the monitor lizard (Varanus), have a more
efficient three-chambered heart than amphibians but less efficient than birds
and mammals.
- Birds (Columba) and mammals (Lepus) have highly efficient
four-chambered hearts for sustained and energetic activities.
In summary, the circulatory systems of these animals reflect
their evolutionary adaptations to different environments, with variations in
heart structure and efficiency based on their specific physiological needs and
lifestyles.