Bimodal Respiration in Aquatic and Terrestrial Apodan Amphibians

摘要: SYNOPSIS. New data on resting metabolism, aerobic capacity, respiratory morphology and bimodal breathing capacities offour caecilian species were combined with previously known amphibian biology to discern differing or unifying themes of gas exchange within the Gymnophiona among Amphibia. Discoveries include 1) a uniform metabolism caecilians that is distinctly lower than anurans urodeles, 2) an capacity following activity rivals exceeds other amphibians, 3) despite previous suggestions contrary, substantial contribution skin exchange, apparently sufficient sustain low metabolism. In contrast, pulmonary transport appears dominate during metabolic recovery from exercise, which comparatively fast. The contributing roles lungs this extreme scope needs in are further discussed light structural nature circulatory supply each bed, properties blood.