What kinds of metals will function as a blood base? [duplicate]












5












$begingroup$



This question already has an answer here:




  • Other blood colors

    5 answers




I've been working really hard for a while now on a race of creatures called Nordic mountain Valkyrie Dragons. They are large: around 7'ft tall, and 9'ft from nose to tail tip, and I'm trying to come up with a kind of blood that they might have. I don't want to use red, iron-based blood, as it wont really fit with the backstory I've given them, but I also want to have the blood be based on a metal that would actually function.



They live in a cold and mountainous area, so whatever kind of blood it is, it needs to be efficient in keeping them warm to whatever reach it can. On top of this, it needs to be able to function with relatively low oxygen levels, as they tend to live at very high altitudes. I am NOT just looking for color.



I have searched everywhere and found nothing, so I would really appreciate some help.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$



marked as duplicate by bilbo_pingouin, Frostfyre, bukwyrm, elemtilas, MichaelK Dec 12 '18 at 21:10


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.














  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Related, if not duplicate.
    $endgroup$
    – Cadence
    Dec 12 '18 at 16:34










  • $begingroup$
    Other blood colors doesn't ask for anything other than color, whereas I am asking for kinds of bloods that would work, as well as meet specific requirements. How is that a copy? I'm not trying to be rude, I'm actually curious.
    $endgroup$
    – ThatCamal
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:09










  • $begingroup$
    I don’t believe it’s a duplicate, but I will say the first answer on that question has a graph you will find very useful.
    $endgroup$
    – Joe Bloggs
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:17










  • $begingroup$
    I agree that I don't think they're technically a duplicate, though I feel that the accepted answer also answers this question.
    $endgroup$
    – goodguy5
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:18






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I think it's being flagged as duplicate because you're essentially asking the same question. You ask what metals will function the way iron does (oxygen transport); the earlier question also asks what metals will work as blood components (and gives a specific list). If there is something more specific you're after, I'd suggest editing your query to clarify that issue.
    $endgroup$
    – elemtilas
    Dec 12 '18 at 21:07
















5












$begingroup$



This question already has an answer here:




  • Other blood colors

    5 answers




I've been working really hard for a while now on a race of creatures called Nordic mountain Valkyrie Dragons. They are large: around 7'ft tall, and 9'ft from nose to tail tip, and I'm trying to come up with a kind of blood that they might have. I don't want to use red, iron-based blood, as it wont really fit with the backstory I've given them, but I also want to have the blood be based on a metal that would actually function.



They live in a cold and mountainous area, so whatever kind of blood it is, it needs to be efficient in keeping them warm to whatever reach it can. On top of this, it needs to be able to function with relatively low oxygen levels, as they tend to live at very high altitudes. I am NOT just looking for color.



I have searched everywhere and found nothing, so I would really appreciate some help.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$



marked as duplicate by bilbo_pingouin, Frostfyre, bukwyrm, elemtilas, MichaelK Dec 12 '18 at 21:10


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.














  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Related, if not duplicate.
    $endgroup$
    – Cadence
    Dec 12 '18 at 16:34










  • $begingroup$
    Other blood colors doesn't ask for anything other than color, whereas I am asking for kinds of bloods that would work, as well as meet specific requirements. How is that a copy? I'm not trying to be rude, I'm actually curious.
    $endgroup$
    – ThatCamal
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:09










  • $begingroup$
    I don’t believe it’s a duplicate, but I will say the first answer on that question has a graph you will find very useful.
    $endgroup$
    – Joe Bloggs
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:17










  • $begingroup$
    I agree that I don't think they're technically a duplicate, though I feel that the accepted answer also answers this question.
    $endgroup$
    – goodguy5
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:18






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I think it's being flagged as duplicate because you're essentially asking the same question. You ask what metals will function the way iron does (oxygen transport); the earlier question also asks what metals will work as blood components (and gives a specific list). If there is something more specific you're after, I'd suggest editing your query to clarify that issue.
    $endgroup$
    – elemtilas
    Dec 12 '18 at 21:07














5












5








5


1



$begingroup$



This question already has an answer here:




  • Other blood colors

    5 answers




I've been working really hard for a while now on a race of creatures called Nordic mountain Valkyrie Dragons. They are large: around 7'ft tall, and 9'ft from nose to tail tip, and I'm trying to come up with a kind of blood that they might have. I don't want to use red, iron-based blood, as it wont really fit with the backstory I've given them, but I also want to have the blood be based on a metal that would actually function.



They live in a cold and mountainous area, so whatever kind of blood it is, it needs to be efficient in keeping them warm to whatever reach it can. On top of this, it needs to be able to function with relatively low oxygen levels, as they tend to live at very high altitudes. I am NOT just looking for color.



I have searched everywhere and found nothing, so I would really appreciate some help.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$





This question already has an answer here:




  • Other blood colors

    5 answers




I've been working really hard for a while now on a race of creatures called Nordic mountain Valkyrie Dragons. They are large: around 7'ft tall, and 9'ft from nose to tail tip, and I'm trying to come up with a kind of blood that they might have. I don't want to use red, iron-based blood, as it wont really fit with the backstory I've given them, but I also want to have the blood be based on a metal that would actually function.



They live in a cold and mountainous area, so whatever kind of blood it is, it needs to be efficient in keeping them warm to whatever reach it can. On top of this, it needs to be able to function with relatively low oxygen levels, as they tend to live at very high altitudes. I am NOT just looking for color.



I have searched everywhere and found nothing, so I would really appreciate some help.





This question already has an answer here:




  • Other blood colors

    5 answers








evolution anatomy species






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Dec 12 '18 at 17:13







ThatCamal

















asked Dec 12 '18 at 16:25









ThatCamalThatCamal

899




899




marked as duplicate by bilbo_pingouin, Frostfyre, bukwyrm, elemtilas, MichaelK Dec 12 '18 at 21:10


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.









marked as duplicate by bilbo_pingouin, Frostfyre, bukwyrm, elemtilas, MichaelK Dec 12 '18 at 21:10


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.










  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Related, if not duplicate.
    $endgroup$
    – Cadence
    Dec 12 '18 at 16:34










  • $begingroup$
    Other blood colors doesn't ask for anything other than color, whereas I am asking for kinds of bloods that would work, as well as meet specific requirements. How is that a copy? I'm not trying to be rude, I'm actually curious.
    $endgroup$
    – ThatCamal
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:09










  • $begingroup$
    I don’t believe it’s a duplicate, but I will say the first answer on that question has a graph you will find very useful.
    $endgroup$
    – Joe Bloggs
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:17










  • $begingroup$
    I agree that I don't think they're technically a duplicate, though I feel that the accepted answer also answers this question.
    $endgroup$
    – goodguy5
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:18






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I think it's being flagged as duplicate because you're essentially asking the same question. You ask what metals will function the way iron does (oxygen transport); the earlier question also asks what metals will work as blood components (and gives a specific list). If there is something more specific you're after, I'd suggest editing your query to clarify that issue.
    $endgroup$
    – elemtilas
    Dec 12 '18 at 21:07














  • 3




    $begingroup$
    Related, if not duplicate.
    $endgroup$
    – Cadence
    Dec 12 '18 at 16:34










  • $begingroup$
    Other blood colors doesn't ask for anything other than color, whereas I am asking for kinds of bloods that would work, as well as meet specific requirements. How is that a copy? I'm not trying to be rude, I'm actually curious.
    $endgroup$
    – ThatCamal
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:09










  • $begingroup$
    I don’t believe it’s a duplicate, but I will say the first answer on that question has a graph you will find very useful.
    $endgroup$
    – Joe Bloggs
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:17










  • $begingroup$
    I agree that I don't think they're technically a duplicate, though I feel that the accepted answer also answers this question.
    $endgroup$
    – goodguy5
    Dec 12 '18 at 17:18






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    I think it's being flagged as duplicate because you're essentially asking the same question. You ask what metals will function the way iron does (oxygen transport); the earlier question also asks what metals will work as blood components (and gives a specific list). If there is something more specific you're after, I'd suggest editing your query to clarify that issue.
    $endgroup$
    – elemtilas
    Dec 12 '18 at 21:07








3




3




$begingroup$
Related, if not duplicate.
$endgroup$
– Cadence
Dec 12 '18 at 16:34




$begingroup$
Related, if not duplicate.
$endgroup$
– Cadence
Dec 12 '18 at 16:34












$begingroup$
Other blood colors doesn't ask for anything other than color, whereas I am asking for kinds of bloods that would work, as well as meet specific requirements. How is that a copy? I'm not trying to be rude, I'm actually curious.
$endgroup$
– ThatCamal
Dec 12 '18 at 17:09




$begingroup$
Other blood colors doesn't ask for anything other than color, whereas I am asking for kinds of bloods that would work, as well as meet specific requirements. How is that a copy? I'm not trying to be rude, I'm actually curious.
$endgroup$
– ThatCamal
Dec 12 '18 at 17:09












$begingroup$
I don’t believe it’s a duplicate, but I will say the first answer on that question has a graph you will find very useful.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
Dec 12 '18 at 17:17




$begingroup$
I don’t believe it’s a duplicate, but I will say the first answer on that question has a graph you will find very useful.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
Dec 12 '18 at 17:17












$begingroup$
I agree that I don't think they're technically a duplicate, though I feel that the accepted answer also answers this question.
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
Dec 12 '18 at 17:18




$begingroup$
I agree that I don't think they're technically a duplicate, though I feel that the accepted answer also answers this question.
$endgroup$
– goodguy5
Dec 12 '18 at 17:18




1




1




$begingroup$
I think it's being flagged as duplicate because you're essentially asking the same question. You ask what metals will function the way iron does (oxygen transport); the earlier question also asks what metals will work as blood components (and gives a specific list). If there is something more specific you're after, I'd suggest editing your query to clarify that issue.
$endgroup$
– elemtilas
Dec 12 '18 at 21:07




$begingroup$
I think it's being flagged as duplicate because you're essentially asking the same question. You ask what metals will function the way iron does (oxygen transport); the earlier question also asks what metals will work as blood components (and gives a specific list). If there is something more specific you're after, I'd suggest editing your query to clarify that issue.
$endgroup$
– elemtilas
Dec 12 '18 at 21:07










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















6












$begingroup$

Icefish style: clear blood.



The icefish has no hemoglobin or other oxygen carrying pigment. Oxygen dissolves directly in the blood.



https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/weird-fish-has-clear-blood




The ocellated icefish, for example, has clear blood. It's not very
well understood how or why this is. The red color of most blood is
given by hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen along through the
bloodstream to the organs that need it.



The ocellated icefish ("ocellated" refers to the eye-like spots that
make up the fish's coloration) does not have any hemoglobin. Its
circulatory system gets along without it: oxygen, rather than being
transported by the hemoglobin, is fully dissolved in the plasma (the
main liquid element of blood). At those cold temperatures, oxygen
dissolves into plasma more easily, and the muscles of the fish's
circulatory system are able to absorb oxygen directly from the plasma.



That's all helped along by the fact that the ocellated icefish has an
extremely strong circulatory system. It's got a much larger and
stronger heart than most other fish, and pumps blood through its body
at a rate five times greater than the average fish.




Clear blood dragons need it cold and they need to stay cold; the colder the better. The warmer it is, the less oxygen dissolves in plasma and the less they can deliver to muscles and organs. Maybe you can rig some way in which they can dump excess heat into their breath weapon, leaving their bodies colder?



Also, the icefish is kind of sluggish. Your dragons could accumulate an oxygen store in myoglobin - that does not circulate but is part of the muscles. Oxygen stored in myoglobin is how whales can pull off their deep dives. That oxygen storage would enable a one time burst of activity on the part of the dragon.






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$













  • $begingroup$
    Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
    $endgroup$
    – ThatCamal
    Dec 12 '18 at 18:04










  • $begingroup$
    Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
    $endgroup$
    – user71659
    Dec 12 '18 at 19:38










  • $begingroup$
    @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
    $endgroup$
    – Willk
    Dec 12 '18 at 19:45










  • $begingroup$
    @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
    $endgroup$
    – user71659
    Dec 12 '18 at 21:00










  • $begingroup$
    @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
    $endgroup$
    – Willk
    Dec 12 '18 at 21:16



















3












$begingroup$

Scandium




  1. It's rare and there isn't really any data to indicate that it wouldn't work.

  2. It oxidizes faster than iron, so it is ideal for lower oxygen levels.

  3. It's yellow when oxidized, and white or silvery when not oxidized.

  4. It is generally considered to be non-toxic


PS. The metal that carries the oxygen around in the blood doesn't constitute a large enough fraction of the blood to have an effect on how well the fluid transfers heat. At the end of the day, all blood is mostly water, which is good at carrying heat. As far as keeping them warm, it's more about insulation and good circulation than anything else.






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$





















    3












    $begingroup$

    Look to nature



    Well, hemoglobin is iron based, but hemocyanin is copper based and is used by many animals.



    The Ocellated Ice Fish does not use metal hemoglobin or hemocyanin It depends upon the oxygen that simply dissolves in the blood plasma.



    I suppose Cobalt and Nickel are also likely metals that bridge the gap between Iron and Copper and perhaps could be reasonable substitutes. Heavier elements are less viable due to relative scarcity if nothing else.






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$




















      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      6












      $begingroup$

      Icefish style: clear blood.



      The icefish has no hemoglobin or other oxygen carrying pigment. Oxygen dissolves directly in the blood.



      https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/weird-fish-has-clear-blood




      The ocellated icefish, for example, has clear blood. It's not very
      well understood how or why this is. The red color of most blood is
      given by hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen along through the
      bloodstream to the organs that need it.



      The ocellated icefish ("ocellated" refers to the eye-like spots that
      make up the fish's coloration) does not have any hemoglobin. Its
      circulatory system gets along without it: oxygen, rather than being
      transported by the hemoglobin, is fully dissolved in the plasma (the
      main liquid element of blood). At those cold temperatures, oxygen
      dissolves into plasma more easily, and the muscles of the fish's
      circulatory system are able to absorb oxygen directly from the plasma.



      That's all helped along by the fact that the ocellated icefish has an
      extremely strong circulatory system. It's got a much larger and
      stronger heart than most other fish, and pumps blood through its body
      at a rate five times greater than the average fish.




      Clear blood dragons need it cold and they need to stay cold; the colder the better. The warmer it is, the less oxygen dissolves in plasma and the less they can deliver to muscles and organs. Maybe you can rig some way in which they can dump excess heat into their breath weapon, leaving their bodies colder?



      Also, the icefish is kind of sluggish. Your dragons could accumulate an oxygen store in myoglobin - that does not circulate but is part of the muscles. Oxygen stored in myoglobin is how whales can pull off their deep dives. That oxygen storage would enable a one time burst of activity on the part of the dragon.






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$













      • $begingroup$
        Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
        $endgroup$
        – ThatCamal
        Dec 12 '18 at 18:04










      • $begingroup$
        Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:38










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:45










      • $begingroup$
        @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:00










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:16
















      6












      $begingroup$

      Icefish style: clear blood.



      The icefish has no hemoglobin or other oxygen carrying pigment. Oxygen dissolves directly in the blood.



      https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/weird-fish-has-clear-blood




      The ocellated icefish, for example, has clear blood. It's not very
      well understood how or why this is. The red color of most blood is
      given by hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen along through the
      bloodstream to the organs that need it.



      The ocellated icefish ("ocellated" refers to the eye-like spots that
      make up the fish's coloration) does not have any hemoglobin. Its
      circulatory system gets along without it: oxygen, rather than being
      transported by the hemoglobin, is fully dissolved in the plasma (the
      main liquid element of blood). At those cold temperatures, oxygen
      dissolves into plasma more easily, and the muscles of the fish's
      circulatory system are able to absorb oxygen directly from the plasma.



      That's all helped along by the fact that the ocellated icefish has an
      extremely strong circulatory system. It's got a much larger and
      stronger heart than most other fish, and pumps blood through its body
      at a rate five times greater than the average fish.




      Clear blood dragons need it cold and they need to stay cold; the colder the better. The warmer it is, the less oxygen dissolves in plasma and the less they can deliver to muscles and organs. Maybe you can rig some way in which they can dump excess heat into their breath weapon, leaving their bodies colder?



      Also, the icefish is kind of sluggish. Your dragons could accumulate an oxygen store in myoglobin - that does not circulate but is part of the muscles. Oxygen stored in myoglobin is how whales can pull off their deep dives. That oxygen storage would enable a one time burst of activity on the part of the dragon.






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$













      • $begingroup$
        Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
        $endgroup$
        – ThatCamal
        Dec 12 '18 at 18:04










      • $begingroup$
        Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:38










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:45










      • $begingroup$
        @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:00










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:16














      6












      6








      6





      $begingroup$

      Icefish style: clear blood.



      The icefish has no hemoglobin or other oxygen carrying pigment. Oxygen dissolves directly in the blood.



      https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/weird-fish-has-clear-blood




      The ocellated icefish, for example, has clear blood. It's not very
      well understood how or why this is. The red color of most blood is
      given by hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen along through the
      bloodstream to the organs that need it.



      The ocellated icefish ("ocellated" refers to the eye-like spots that
      make up the fish's coloration) does not have any hemoglobin. Its
      circulatory system gets along without it: oxygen, rather than being
      transported by the hemoglobin, is fully dissolved in the plasma (the
      main liquid element of blood). At those cold temperatures, oxygen
      dissolves into plasma more easily, and the muscles of the fish's
      circulatory system are able to absorb oxygen directly from the plasma.



      That's all helped along by the fact that the ocellated icefish has an
      extremely strong circulatory system. It's got a much larger and
      stronger heart than most other fish, and pumps blood through its body
      at a rate five times greater than the average fish.




      Clear blood dragons need it cold and they need to stay cold; the colder the better. The warmer it is, the less oxygen dissolves in plasma and the less they can deliver to muscles and organs. Maybe you can rig some way in which they can dump excess heat into their breath weapon, leaving their bodies colder?



      Also, the icefish is kind of sluggish. Your dragons could accumulate an oxygen store in myoglobin - that does not circulate but is part of the muscles. Oxygen stored in myoglobin is how whales can pull off their deep dives. That oxygen storage would enable a one time burst of activity on the part of the dragon.






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$



      Icefish style: clear blood.



      The icefish has no hemoglobin or other oxygen carrying pigment. Oxygen dissolves directly in the blood.



      https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/weird-fish-has-clear-blood




      The ocellated icefish, for example, has clear blood. It's not very
      well understood how or why this is. The red color of most blood is
      given by hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen along through the
      bloodstream to the organs that need it.



      The ocellated icefish ("ocellated" refers to the eye-like spots that
      make up the fish's coloration) does not have any hemoglobin. Its
      circulatory system gets along without it: oxygen, rather than being
      transported by the hemoglobin, is fully dissolved in the plasma (the
      main liquid element of blood). At those cold temperatures, oxygen
      dissolves into plasma more easily, and the muscles of the fish's
      circulatory system are able to absorb oxygen directly from the plasma.



      That's all helped along by the fact that the ocellated icefish has an
      extremely strong circulatory system. It's got a much larger and
      stronger heart than most other fish, and pumps blood through its body
      at a rate five times greater than the average fish.




      Clear blood dragons need it cold and they need to stay cold; the colder the better. The warmer it is, the less oxygen dissolves in plasma and the less they can deliver to muscles and organs. Maybe you can rig some way in which they can dump excess heat into their breath weapon, leaving their bodies colder?



      Also, the icefish is kind of sluggish. Your dragons could accumulate an oxygen store in myoglobin - that does not circulate but is part of the muscles. Oxygen stored in myoglobin is how whales can pull off their deep dives. That oxygen storage would enable a one time burst of activity on the part of the dragon.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Dec 12 '18 at 17:48









      WillkWillk

      108k26201450




      108k26201450












      • $begingroup$
        Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
        $endgroup$
        – ThatCamal
        Dec 12 '18 at 18:04










      • $begingroup$
        Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:38










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:45










      • $begingroup$
        @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:00










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:16


















      • $begingroup$
        Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
        $endgroup$
        – ThatCamal
        Dec 12 '18 at 18:04










      • $begingroup$
        Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:38










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 19:45










      • $begingroup$
        @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
        $endgroup$
        – user71659
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:00










      • $begingroup$
        @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
        $endgroup$
        – Willk
        Dec 12 '18 at 21:16
















      $begingroup$
      Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
      $endgroup$
      – ThatCamal
      Dec 12 '18 at 18:04




      $begingroup$
      Thank you for all of the additional ideas, I'll definitely use some of those
      $endgroup$
      – ThatCamal
      Dec 12 '18 at 18:04












      $begingroup$
      Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
      $endgroup$
      – user71659
      Dec 12 '18 at 19:38




      $begingroup$
      Related, perfluorocarbons carry oxygen directly, better than hemoglobin.
      $endgroup$
      – user71659
      Dec 12 '18 at 19:38












      $begingroup$
      @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
      $endgroup$
      – Willk
      Dec 12 '18 at 19:45




      $begingroup$
      @user71659 - apparently tricky to evolve, though. I can't think of any biological molecules that contain fluorine.
      $endgroup$
      – Willk
      Dec 12 '18 at 19:45












      $begingroup$
      @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
      $endgroup$
      – user71659
      Dec 12 '18 at 21:00




      $begingroup$
      @Willk Along with bones and teeth, fluorine shows up in plants.
      $endgroup$
      – user71659
      Dec 12 '18 at 21:00












      $begingroup$
      @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
      $endgroup$
      – Willk
      Dec 12 '18 at 21:16




      $begingroup$
      @user71659 - cool! Thanks for link!
      $endgroup$
      – Willk
      Dec 12 '18 at 21:16











      3












      $begingroup$

      Scandium




      1. It's rare and there isn't really any data to indicate that it wouldn't work.

      2. It oxidizes faster than iron, so it is ideal for lower oxygen levels.

      3. It's yellow when oxidized, and white or silvery when not oxidized.

      4. It is generally considered to be non-toxic


      PS. The metal that carries the oxygen around in the blood doesn't constitute a large enough fraction of the blood to have an effect on how well the fluid transfers heat. At the end of the day, all blood is mostly water, which is good at carrying heat. As far as keeping them warm, it's more about insulation and good circulation than anything else.






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$


















        3












        $begingroup$

        Scandium




        1. It's rare and there isn't really any data to indicate that it wouldn't work.

        2. It oxidizes faster than iron, so it is ideal for lower oxygen levels.

        3. It's yellow when oxidized, and white or silvery when not oxidized.

        4. It is generally considered to be non-toxic


        PS. The metal that carries the oxygen around in the blood doesn't constitute a large enough fraction of the blood to have an effect on how well the fluid transfers heat. At the end of the day, all blood is mostly water, which is good at carrying heat. As far as keeping them warm, it's more about insulation and good circulation than anything else.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$
















          3












          3








          3





          $begingroup$

          Scandium




          1. It's rare and there isn't really any data to indicate that it wouldn't work.

          2. It oxidizes faster than iron, so it is ideal for lower oxygen levels.

          3. It's yellow when oxidized, and white or silvery when not oxidized.

          4. It is generally considered to be non-toxic


          PS. The metal that carries the oxygen around in the blood doesn't constitute a large enough fraction of the blood to have an effect on how well the fluid transfers heat. At the end of the day, all blood is mostly water, which is good at carrying heat. As far as keeping them warm, it's more about insulation and good circulation than anything else.






          share|improve this answer









          $endgroup$



          Scandium




          1. It's rare and there isn't really any data to indicate that it wouldn't work.

          2. It oxidizes faster than iron, so it is ideal for lower oxygen levels.

          3. It's yellow when oxidized, and white or silvery when not oxidized.

          4. It is generally considered to be non-toxic


          PS. The metal that carries the oxygen around in the blood doesn't constitute a large enough fraction of the blood to have an effect on how well the fluid transfers heat. At the end of the day, all blood is mostly water, which is good at carrying heat. As far as keeping them warm, it's more about insulation and good circulation than anything else.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Dec 12 '18 at 17:32









          MathaddictMathaddict

          3,743429




          3,743429























              3












              $begingroup$

              Look to nature



              Well, hemoglobin is iron based, but hemocyanin is copper based and is used by many animals.



              The Ocellated Ice Fish does not use metal hemoglobin or hemocyanin It depends upon the oxygen that simply dissolves in the blood plasma.



              I suppose Cobalt and Nickel are also likely metals that bridge the gap between Iron and Copper and perhaps could be reasonable substitutes. Heavier elements are less viable due to relative scarcity if nothing else.






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$


















                3












                $begingroup$

                Look to nature



                Well, hemoglobin is iron based, but hemocyanin is copper based and is used by many animals.



                The Ocellated Ice Fish does not use metal hemoglobin or hemocyanin It depends upon the oxygen that simply dissolves in the blood plasma.



                I suppose Cobalt and Nickel are also likely metals that bridge the gap between Iron and Copper and perhaps could be reasonable substitutes. Heavier elements are less viable due to relative scarcity if nothing else.






                share|improve this answer









                $endgroup$
















                  3












                  3








                  3





                  $begingroup$

                  Look to nature



                  Well, hemoglobin is iron based, but hemocyanin is copper based and is used by many animals.



                  The Ocellated Ice Fish does not use metal hemoglobin or hemocyanin It depends upon the oxygen that simply dissolves in the blood plasma.



                  I suppose Cobalt and Nickel are also likely metals that bridge the gap between Iron and Copper and perhaps could be reasonable substitutes. Heavier elements are less viable due to relative scarcity if nothing else.






                  share|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$



                  Look to nature



                  Well, hemoglobin is iron based, but hemocyanin is copper based and is used by many animals.



                  The Ocellated Ice Fish does not use metal hemoglobin or hemocyanin It depends upon the oxygen that simply dissolves in the blood plasma.



                  I suppose Cobalt and Nickel are also likely metals that bridge the gap between Iron and Copper and perhaps could be reasonable substitutes. Heavier elements are less viable due to relative scarcity if nothing else.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 12 '18 at 17:32









                  Gary WalkerGary Walker

                  15.2k22957




                  15.2k22957















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