Aquatic respiration is the process by which aquatic organisms, such as fish and amphibians, extract oxygen from water. They use specialized structures like gills to absorb dissolved oxygen, which is essential for their survival. Water flows over the gills, allowing oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide is expelled. This method of respiration is crucial for life in aquatic environments. Unlike terrestrial animals that breathe air, aquatic organisms rely on the availability of oxygen in water. Factors like water temperature and salinity can affect the amount of dissolved oxygen, influencing the health of ecosystems and the organisms within them.