Question

What unique function of bat wings in respiration is partly the cause of homeostasis being disrupted in hibernating bats infected with white nose fungus?

hemoglobin production

cutaneous gas exchange (CGE)

myoglobin storage

flight to capture prey

control of humidity in the cave

Answer 1

cutaneous gas exchange (CGE)

because, the white nose fungus (WNS) damages the skin of ear, eyes, nose and especially wings portions are severly damaged. And this effect leads to decreased electrolytes , disrupts circulation of blood since the batwings consists of veins, capillaries and arterioles. And this damage to wings damages the blood flow to heart or increases pressure in veins and capillaries. Also circulation of blood is necessary to carry nutrients in and throw metabolic waste such as carbondioxide out through the wings through trabspiration.

Cutaneous gas exchange is important in bats during hibernation in extended time, this WNS reduces the frequency of respiration , hence severe disruption of wings also reduces transpiration , hence leading to pulmonary respiration such as lungs automatically leads to evaporative water loss and followed by death.