how does reptiles' respiratory system works?
2007-04-26 18:41:29 · 6 answers · asked by franklin_seymour 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Mostly, turtles use their nose and lungs to breath pretty normally, although they have low oxygen demands and can let carbon dioxide build up in their tissues much longer than most other animals can.
Two species are known to do 'cloacal brathing', where they take some water into their vent opening and absorb some air from it. These species hunt in pretty deep water and do not get a LOT of air that way. Other species may do this as well, but we have not tested them yet.
While hibernating, aquatic turtles 'sleep' in the mud at the bottom of ponds and slowly pump water into their mouths and throats where they absorb enough air. Note that this only works with cold water- it holds more air in it than warm water does.
2007-04-27 05:55:44 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they can not breath underwater. You need to provide your turtle with space for it to walk around outside of the water. You can buy tanks with shelves that are covered in pebbles, set the water level to just bellow the shelf and prvide some rocks/plants and even sticks to keep your turtles environment interesting. Remember they need a very clean environment and are susceptible to death from exterior chemical use. Your local aquatic supplies store should be able to give you plenty of information.
2007-04-26 18:51:09 · answer #2 · answered by LouLou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are reptiles and have lungs so they cannot breathe under water, but some can stay under for very long periods of time.
They have lungs, they breathe in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, have a 2 chamber heart and are cold blooded.
2007-04-26 18:48:15 · answer #3 · answered by tortoisethunder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, turtles CAN breathe underwater- sort of.
Turtles that hibernate underwater absorb oxygen from the water through the cloaca, throat, and sometimes, the skin.
A few species absorb oxygen through the skin during their active seasons as well.
2007-04-27 02:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by markwedloe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, turtles are different from tortoises. Tortoises cannot swim, where turtles can. So, turtles can swim underwater. They can stay underwater for hours. But at some time, turtles will have to come up for some air. So then cannot breathe underwater.
2007-04-26 18:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by Guest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You aren't very specific about what your talking about..but turtles even in the sea come up for air...so no they do not breath under water.
2007-04-26 18:45:30 · answer #6 · answered by teri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋