Why do humans have a double circulatory system?

Ask the student: what other option is there? What are the differences between the two? 

Answer: Humans have a small surface area to volume ratio, so diffusion alone is not enough to meet the high metabolic demands. Thus a double circulatory system is needed to provide oxygen and nutrients to all cells in the body.

DV
Answered by Divya V. Biology tutor

8915 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the consequences of using high levels of nitrogenous fertilisers


Garlic contains a chemical called Allicin which has antimicrobial properties. Describe how this could have occurred through natural selection.


Use your knowledge of the actin and myosin mechanism of muscle contraction to explain how a vesicle might be "walked" along the cytoskeleton of a cell.


After one molecule of oxygen has bound to Haemoglobin, it is easier for a second molecule of oxygen to bind. Explain Why?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning