Fish Respiration and Adaptation

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to fish respiration, adaptation, and reproductive strategies explored in the lecture.

Gills

Organs that allow fish to extract oxygen from water.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Countercurrent exchange

A system where blood and water flow in opposite directions across the gills, maintaining a diffusion gradient for gas exchange.

Buccal pump

A pressure pump in fish that draws water into the mouth and over the gills.

Otoliths

Calcium carbonate structures in the inner ear of fish that help detect gravity and linear acceleration.

Lateral line system

A sensory system in fish that detects motion in the surrounding water using a network of neuromasts.

Hyposia

A condition where oxygen levels are low, often affecting aquatic environments.

Mass spawning

A reproductive strategy where large groups of fish release eggs and sperm simultaneously into the environment.

Semelparity

A reproductive strategy where fish reproduce once and then die.

Mouth brooding

A reproductive method where parents carry their offspring in their mouths for protection.

Osmoregulation

The process of maintaining an optimal internal balance of ions and water.

Anadromous

Fish that are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and return to freshwater to spawn.

Hypercarbia

A condition characterized by elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Buoyancy

The ability of fish to stay suspended in water, counteracting the force of gravity.

Tidal ventilation

A method of breathing where water flows in and out of the gills in a back-and-forth motion.

Hermaphroditism

The presence of both male and female reproductive organs in the same individual.

Leptocephalus larva

A unique larval stage of some fish, characterized by a thin and transparent body.

Cardinal fish

Fish known for their mouth brooding behavior and parental care.

Adaptation

The process by which fish evolve features that enhance their survival in specific environments.

Physiological adaptation

Changes in internal systems, such as gill structure, to support efficient gas exchange in water.

Ecological niche

The role an organism plays in its environment, influencing its adaptation and reproductive strategies.

Vestibular system

A sensory system in the inner ear that helps fish maintain balance and orientation in water.