The effect of buoyancy induced lung volume changes on respiratory frequency in a chelonian (Caretta caretta)

Abstract

Aquatic turtles utilize changes in lung volume in their buoyancy regulation. The relationship between lung volume and ventilatory activity have been studied in the turtle,Caretta caretta. Lung volume was varied in response to specific gravity changes brought about by adding weights or floats to the animals. End inspiratory lung volumes were made to vary from 4.4 to 8.1 ml/100 body weight. These lumg volume changes maintained specific gravity relatively constant. An inverse linear relationship exists between lung volume and frequency of respiration.