Respiratory Water Loss

Respiratory Water Loss

To the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz”

[Chorus]
Water loss through respiration
Is minimized by
Reduced frequency of breathing
And cooling of air that’s expired

[Chorus]
Water loss through respiration
Is minimized by
Reduced frequency of breathing
And cooling of air that’s expired

[Verse 1]
Air at a higher temperature
Holds much more water vapour than cold air
As air leaves the lungs it is cooled
And water can return to
The animal’s body

[Chorus]
Water loss through respiration
Is minimized by
Reduced frequency of breathing
And cooling of air that’s expired

[Verse 2]
Endotherms like mammals and birds
Have respiratory turbinates in their nose
These cartilaginous structures
Create a longer path for air
To travel so it cools

[Chorus]
Water loss through respiration
Is minimized by
Reduced frequency of breathing
And cooling of air that’s expired

[Outro]
More complex nasal passages
More respiratory turbinates
Less water loss