Which of the following would be the consequence if the direction of water flow over the gills of a fish was reversed, moving water inward past the operculum, past the gills, then out the mouth?
A) the efficiency of gas exchange would be reduced
B) the efficiency of gas exchange would increase
C) the thickness of the blood would increase
D) the thickness of the blood would decrease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The efficiency of gas exchange would be reduced because the counter-current exchange mechanism, where water flows opposite to the direction of blood flow in the gills, maximizes oxygen absorption. Reversing this flow would disrupt this efficient gas exchange process.

Which of the Following Would Be the Consequence If the Direction