The squid uses its mantle, which manages both the respiratory and circulatory systems, to control both its breathing and its circulation. The mantle also allows the squid to move very fast in that it can expand its mantle, bringing in water, and then expel it very quickly through the siphon, creating a jet of water which can propel it very quickly forward. These systems integrate because when the squid breathes, it also moves through the same organ.
Nice image of the side view of the squid. Can you add the URL to the comments below? Your post describes the solving of two problems with the same system, right? Very cool. Do you think it is advantageous for an organism to have dual purpose like this to conserve energy in producing body parts?
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