Some animals, like earthworms and amphibians, such as frogs, breathe through their skin. This is called cutaneous respiration, where gas exchange occurs directly across the skin instead of through specialized organs like gills or lungs.
However, most mammals do not breathe through their skin because they have high metabolic rates and require a more efficient respiratory system. While skin can absorb a small amount of oxygen, it's not enough to sustain their needs.
Examples of organisms that breathe through their skin:
- Earthworms: These invertebrates lack lungs and rely solely on cutaneous respiration to obtain oxygen.
- Frogs: Frogs use their skin for gas exchange, particularly when underwater or during periods of inactivity. They also have lungs for breathing air.
- Salamanders: Similar to frogs, salamanders use their skin for cutaneous respiration, especially in humid environments.
Note: While humans and other mammals have skin, it is not permeable enough for significant gas exchange.
