ON THE RESPIRATORY FUNCTION OF THE BLOOD OF THE PORPOISE

Abstract

The properties of the blood of the porpoise, Phocaæna phocæna, considered as a system for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, have been examined. It does not appear that the morphological changes adapting these animals for aquatic life are accompanied by significant modifications in the physico-chemical properties of the blood. The only striking characteristic of porpoise blood, when compared with that of terrestrial mammals, is an increased concentration of hemoglobin in the corpuscles.