The respiratory transition from water to air breathing during amphibian metamorphosis

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Profound developmental changes occur in the morphology and physiology of the respiratory system of amphibians during the transition from strictly aquatic to dual aquatic-aerial breathing. This developmental transition usually involves modifications in ventilatory mechanisms and/or respiratory surfaces {e.g., degeneration of gills, ventilation of functional lungs). Both the first appearance of obligate air breathing and the subsequent dependence upon it by amphibian larvae are sensitive to a variety of environmental stressors during critical developmental periods. These stressors include oxygen availability, ambient temperature, the risk of predation and mode of feeding. © 1994 The American Society of Zoologists.