Mammals are the type of animal that cannot breathe underwater.
According to the reference material, mammals are warm-blooded creatures covered in fur. They feed their young with milk from their mammary glands. A crucial fact is that mammals possess lungs, which are designed to extract oxygen from the air, not water. Therefore, mammals cannot breathe underwater. Unlike fish with gills, their respiratory system is not equipped to process oxygen dissolved in water.
Why Mammals Can't Breathe Underwater
Here’s a breakdown of why mammals are unable to breathe underwater:
- Lungs: Mammals have lungs designed to process air, not water. These organs exchange oxygen from the air into the bloodstream, and are not adapted for underwater use.
- Lack of Gills: Mammals do not possess gills, which are specialized organs that extract oxygen from water. Gills are a feature of aquatic animals like fish and some amphibians.
- Inability to Extract Oxygen: Mammalian lungs cannot efficiently separate oxygen from water, making it impossible for them to survive submerged for long periods.
- Drowning: When submerged, mammals risk drowning because water enters their lungs instead of oxygen, preventing them from breathing.
Examples of Mammals that Can't Breathe Underwater
Most terrestrial mammals, like dogs, cats, horses, and humans, are unable to breathe underwater. Although some mammals like whales and dolphins live in water, they must surface to breathe air because they also have lungs. While certain marine mammals are adept at holding their breath for extended periods, they must eventually return to the surface for air.
In conclusion, the reference material indicates that all mammals are incapable of breathing underwater due to their lung-based respiratory systems. This basic biological fact is what distinguishes them from the diverse range of animals that are adapted to aquatic life.
