The rate of cutaneous gas exchange increases with temperature in plethodontids (Whitford 1973).
| Factors Affecting Gas Exchange |
| Body Size:
Desmognathus quadramaculatus, a large lungless salamander, reached maximum oxygen consumption even at its slowest rate of travel. Small salamanders have been shown to increase cutaneous gas exchange during activity. However, cutaneous diffusing capacity and the resting oxygen requirement approach one another with increasing body size. A large salamander's skin apparently has a limited scope for aerobic activity (Feder 1988). |
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Temperature:
The rate of cutaneous gas exchange increases with temperature in plethodontids (Whitford 1973).
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| Activity Levels:
Resting plethodontids consume less oxygen than comparably active plethodontids (Whitford 1973). |
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This page was created as an assignment for Animal
Physiology class.
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