Question

How do the lungs of birds differ from the lungs of mammals?

Answer 1

Lungs of birds:

1. Class Aves breathe using their lungs (birds).
2. The lungs are elastic and spongy.
3. To aid in breathing, air sacs are joined to the lungs.

Lungs of mammals:

1. The lungs' main function is to allow the gas exchange between the blood and the air.
2. The blood transports the process of gaseous exchange to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.

Difference between lungs of birds and mammals:

Lungs of birds	Lungs of mammals
1. The continuous, unidirectional airflow of the avian respiratory system allows for effective gas exchange.	1. Bidirectional airflow passes over the surfaces of the gas exchange in mammalian lungs.
2. Small air capillaries make up the flow-through system in the avian lung.	2. Reciprocating ventilation with alveoli occurs in the mammalian lung (large terminal air spaces).