tons wrote:
Well they both can get you but dinosaurs would have no way to breathe
pressurized gases. I was using the analogy of dead space which if increased
causes increased CO2 partial pressures in the lungs and hence equalizing to
the body. Sauropods have long necks and therefore (probably) a lot of dead
space. I haven't had the time to look at giraffe physiology but would love
a quick freebie from someone.
I too would love a quick freebie from someone, but let's talk about giraffe physiology instead. I refer you to:Langman, V.A., et al.(1982) Respiration and metabolism in the giraffe. Respir Physiol 50(2):141-152. "...contrary to statements in the literature the giraffe does not have an abnormally large dead space, though the trachea is abnormally long and narrow. The respiratory measurements indicate that the giraffe breathes as predicted by published scaling equations, and at rest shows no abnormalities of rate or depth." Hope this helps. Cheers to Michael and Matthew for an interesting physiology discussion.--Ken Clay, M.D.