Which among the following organisms will be most affected if the dissolved oxygen in water is reduced?
Open in App
Solution
Fishes have gills that absorb the oxygen dissolved in water. Unlike other aquatic animals, fishes depend entirely on the oxygen content present in water. So, a decrease in the level of oxygen will affect them the most.
Frogs absorb the dissolved oxygen in water, but can also breathe in oxygen from the air. Therefore, they would be affected less, compared to fishes.
Whales and dolphins are mammals. They come onto the water surface and breathe air into their lungs through their nostrils or blowholes. Hence, they would be the least affected.