Due to its system of nine air sacs connected to the lungs, the respiratory system of birds is arguably the most effective respiratory system of all air-breathers. Upon inhalation, air first flows into posterior air sacs, then into the lungs, and then into anterior air sacs on the way to being exhaled. Thus, there is one-way flow of air through the lungs, along thousands of tubules called parabronchi.
-If the inner lining of the air sacs is neither thin nor highly vascularized, then what can be inferred about the air sacs?
A) They must not belong to the respiratory system.
B) They cannot be derived from endoderm.
C) They cannot be sites of gas exchange between air and blood.
D) They must obtain nutrition from some source other than the bloodstream.
E) They cannot effectively moisturize the air before it reaches the lungs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lack of thinness and vascularity in the inner lining of the air sacs means that they cannot facilitate gas exchange between the air and blood, which is a function of the respiratory system. Therefore, option C is correct. Option A, B, D, and E are incorrect because they are not related to the given information.

Due to Its System of Nine Air Sacs Connected to the Lungs