Once this type of retinal detachment develops and causes symptoms, it can progress to total blindness if it is not repaired promptly. In the United States, retinal detachment is a relatively uncommon condition, affecting only one of every 10,000 Americans each year.
Gas exchange in reptiles still occurs in alveoli however, reptiles do not possess a diaphragm. Thus, breathing occurs via a change in the volume of the body cavity which is controlled by contraction of intercostal muscles in all reptiles except turtles.
Gas exchange. Gas exchange is a biological process through which different gases are transferred in opposite directions across a specialized respiratory surface. Gases are constantly required by, and produced as a by-product of, cellular and metabolic reactions, so an efficient system for their exchange is extremely important.