Fish Adaptation and Pysiology

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Fish Adaptation and Physiology Kim Rosnik SCI/230 10/21/12 Kelley Gaske Fish Adaptation and Physiology In our modern day world, we have many organisms that live in two main areas. The first main area is on land, and the second is in water. The organisms that live in water are very different then the ones that live on land. Even though land and water animals need the same necessities to survive, they have adapted in different ways. This paper is intended to describe the physiology of fish and how they have evolved in their environment of water. [pic] Skin The first main part of a fish that shows evolution is their skin. The skin of a fish consists of three main parts; scales, fins, and mucus. The scales on a fish are made of mostly calcium and function as a protestant from injury and infection. The fins of a fish help a fish move, steer, and give stability in the water. Because water is 800 times more dense then air, a fish must have very strong muscle behind these fins to move through the water. The last part of the skin that shows evolution is mucus that secretes out. This mucus provides protection from bacteria and viruses. It also acts as a type of lubricant to reduce friction in the water allowing easier movement through the water. Swim Bladder The swim bladder is an organ found inside the fish. This organ is used to help the fish sink or float in the water. The bladder fills with air if it wishes to float, and reduces air when it wishes to sink. Without this bladder, the fish would have to constantly swim in order to not sink to the bottom. The ability to stay still in the water allows the fish to save energy with constant movement. Underwater Breathing Just as humans need oxygen to survive, fish do as well. However, water contains only 2% of the oxygen of air. This would make it much more difficult to
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