Respirometer

A respirometer is a device that scientists use to measure how much oxygen animals breathe in and how much carbon dioxide they breathe out. It is kind of like a special breathing machine for animals that helps scientists understand how their bodies work.

To use a respirometer, scientists first put an animal or a plant in a chamber that is sealed off from the outside air. Then, they attach a special tube that connects the chamber to the respirometer. Inside the respirometer, there is a little packet of chemicals that can tell when oxygen is being used up and when carbon dioxide is being produced.

As the animal or plant breathes, the chemicals inside the respirometer change color based on the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide that is being produced. Scientists can measure how much the colors change to figure out exactly how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are being exchanged.

In this way, respirometers help scientists learn more about how different animals and plants breathe and use energy. They can use this information to better understand how living things respond to changes in their environment and how they might adapt to different conditions.