The Large Spiracles on the Top of the Head of Skates

Question

The large spiracles on the top of the head of skates and rays are for
A)air intake for respiration.
B)water intake to prevent clogging the gills.
C)detection of bioelectric fields from prey buried in the sea bottom.
D)detection of chemical odors in the water.

Accepted Answer

Skates and rays use the large spiracles on the top of their heads to intake water, which is then passed over their gills for respiration. This mechanism allows them to breathe while buried in sediment or lying on the sea bottom, preventing their gills from clogging with debris.