Aquatic Respiration in the Musk Turtle

Abstract

02-consumption measurements were made on completely submerged turtles, and compared with the normal O2-consumption in air. The purpose was to evaluate the role buccopharyngeal respiration might play in helping these animals to remain submerged. The total aquatic O2-consumption is only about 1/8 as much as in air, and the buccopharyngeal fraction of it, as detd.by eliminating skin respiration, is only about 1/25 of the air O2-consumption. The author concludes that the buccopharyngeal respiration contributes insignificantly to the ability of these animals to remain submerged, and that other factors must be sought. It is suggested that the throat movements of these animals under water are probably concerned with olfaction.