What secondary benefit does a frog gain from a three-chambered heart?
It allows a system of oxygenation that is not solely dependent on lungs, since blood flows to the skin and lungs at the same time.
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A frog, along with other amphibians, possesses a three-chambered heart. One secondary benefit it gains from this type of circulatory system is the ability to control the distribution of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The three-chambered heart consists of two atria and a single ventricle. The first atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, while the second atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. The two atria then empty into the ventricle, which pumps a mix of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to different parts of the body.
Now, let's understand the reason behind this distribution. When a frog is at rest, it primarily relies on its skin for respiration. In this state, the frog's systemic arteries receive a higher proportion of deoxygenated blood. However, during periods of increased activity, like jumping or running, the frog switches to pulmonic respiration, using its lungs. This leads to an increased supply of oxygenated blood to the systemic arteries.
So, the secondary benefit a frog gains from its three-chambered heart is the ability to adjust the flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood depending on its respiratory needs. This allows the frog to efficiently deliver oxygen to its muscles during times of heightened activity, enhancing its overall performance.