Which group of animals respire through lungs?

Options

A. Earthworm and insects
B. Sponges, coelenterates and flatworms
C. Fishes and aquatic arthropods
D. Reptiles, birds and mammals

Answer

To determine which group of animals respire through lungs, we can analyze the options provided in the question step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the first group - Earthworm and Insects
- Earthworms belong to the phylum Annelida. They do not have specialized respiratory organs and respire through their moist body surface.
- Insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda. They primarily respire through a network of tubes called trachea, not lungs.

**Conclusion**: This group does not respire through lungs.

### Step 2: Analyze the second group - Sponges, Coelenterates, and Flatworms
- Sponges belong to the phylum Porifera and do not have specialized respiratory organs; they exchange gases through small pores called ostia.
- Coelenterates (e.g., jellyfish) belong to the phylum Cnidaria and also lack specialized respiratory organs, respiring through their body surface.
- Flatworms belong to the phylum Platyhelminthes and similarly respire through their body surface.

**Conclusion**: This group does not respire through lungs.

### Step 3: Analyze the third group - Fishes and Aquatic Arthropods
- Fishes have gills, which are specialized organs for respiration in an aquatic environment.
- Aquatic arthropods also respire through gills.

**Conclusion**: This group does not respire through lungs.

### Step 4: Analyze the fourth group - Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals
- Reptiles, birds, and mammals are all vertebrates and possess specialized respiratory organs known as lungs.
- These animals respire through their lungs, allowing for efficient gas exchange.

**Conclusion**: This group does respire through lungs.

### Final Answer
The group of animals that respire through lungs is **Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals**.

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