Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Evan Stanbury on 07/06/2011 16:19:29

Title: Are bird lungs more efficient than mammal lungs?
Post by: Evan Stanbury on 07/06/2011 16:19:29

Evan Stanbury  asked the Naked Scientists:

   

Hi...



I have heard it said that bird lungs are more efficient than mammal lungs - the reason given was something to do with one-way flow and their hollow bones.



I haven't been able to find anything understandable about it on the internet - is this true?



Where would the air go after it went into their bones?



Thanks



Evan



What do you think?

Title: None
Post by: Hemo_jr on 10/02/2014 05:31:46

You have not directly answered the question, but I infer the answer is: yes, bird lungs/respiratory system is more efficient. And in a geologic era where free atmospheric oxygen is scarcer, I would expect mammals to compete more poorly than now.

Title: None
Post by: olga on 29/07/2015 12:44:05

hi

Title: Re: Are bird lungs more efficient than mammal lungs?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 17/10/2018 12:43:14

I read somewhere that birds only exhale air without inhaling any when flying. So, is a bird flying equivalent to a human swimming?

Title: Re: Are bird lungs more efficient than mammal lungs?
Post by: Bored chemist on 17/10/2018 19:22:18

Air doesn't really enter the bones.