How the Axolotl Breathes Underwater
The axolotl is a cool salamander that lives in water. It can breathe underwater mainly through its gills, skin, and a little from its lungs. Here’s how it works:
- Gills on the head: Axolotls have feathery gills that stick out from the sides of their heads. These gills are full of tiny blood vessels. Water flows over them, and oxygen from the water moves into the blood. This is how they breathe while swimming.
- Skin breathing: The skin of an axolotl is very soft and can absorb oxygen from the water. Tiny blood vessels in the skin pick up oxygen as water touches it.
- Little lungs: Axolotls also have lungs, but they use them less often. They can gulp air at the surface if they need more oxygen.
So, the axolotl mainly uses its feathery gills to breathe underwater, with a bit of help from its skin and, sometimes, its lungs at the surface.
Quick Tips for Remembering
- Gills = main underwater breathing
- Skin = extra way to take in oxygen
- Lungs = used if at the surface or when air is needed