24 Q 12

Give the geographical locations of the three surviving genera of lungfishes and explain how they differ in their ability to survivie out of water. Which of the three is the least specialized?

The 3 surviving genra of lungfish are located in Australia, South America, and Africa. The Australian lungfish relies on gill respiration and cannot survive long out of water. Little is known about the South American lungfish. The African lungfish can live out of water for long periods of time. They do this by burrowing down in the mud and secreting a slime that mixes with the mud to form a cocoon that keeps it moist until the rain returns. The least specialized of these the South American lungfish. C.P.

The African lungfish is best adapted of the three for remaining dormant in mucous-lined cocoons breathing air during prolonged periods of drought. AY

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