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Question #46189
The Question
Birds possess highly specialized respiratory and skeletal systems to sustain the immense metabolic demands of flight, especially under high-altitude hypoxia. Which of the following statements regarding avian physiological adaptations is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The extension of air sacs into pneumatic bones reduces specific gravity but inherently increases the anatomical dead space of the respiratory tract.
- B.
Avian lungs utilize a unidirectional airflow mechanism that prevents the mixing of oxygen-rich inspired air with oxygen-poor residual air.
- C.
The air sacs, including those penetrating the pneumatic bones, are highly vascularized structures that actively participate in gaseous exchange to supplement the lungs.
- D.
During intense flight muscle activity, the Bohr effect facilitates oxygen dissociation at the tissues, supported by continuous oxygen delivery across the parabronchi.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Pneumatic Bones|Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve|Haldane Effect
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Misinterpreting the NCERT line 'air sacs connected to lungs supplement respiration.' Students frequently confuse 'supplementing respiration' (acting as bellows to maintain continuous unidirectional airflow) with 'participating in gaseous exchange' (acting like alveoli).
The question also tests the advanced synthesis of how unidirectional flow acts as an evolutionary compensation for the increased anatomical dead space caused by pneumatic bones.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Aves Pneumatic Bones |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |