3 Classes of Animals

Fish Amphibians Reptiles
Ectothermic, aquatic vertebrates. Ectothermic vertebrates. Ectothermic vertebrates
Skin covered with scales Skin lacks scales, hair, and feathers, and is either smooth (like a frog) or rough (like a toad); must remain moist to aid in respiration Skin has scales, but no hair or feathers
Respire with gills; two-chambered heart Tadpoles have gills; frogs/toads lungs; three-chambered heart Three-chambered hearts (except for alligators and crocodiles, which have four-chambered hearts)
Limbs modified into fins for swimming No claws Claws on their toes
Must lay eggs in water Lay eggs in water Amniotic egg

Consider the table comparing amphibians and reptiles. Reptiles evolved soon after amphibians and are closely related to them. However, reptiles have adaptations that allow them to survive in hotter, drier places than amphibians and have made the jump to successful life on land. Use the table to explain how reproductive strategies have helped the reptile be successful on land.
Responses
A Young do not breathe using gills. Reptile young do to require water.Young do not breathe using gills. Reptile young do to require water.
B Reptiles lay their eggs in the sand rather than deposit them in water.Reptiles lay their eggs in the sand rather than deposit them in water.
C Reptiles lay amniotic eggs; young are not restricted to life in a water environment.Reptiles lay amniotic eggs; young are not restricted to life in a water environment.
D Reptiles have a tough, scaly outer covering as do their amniotic eggs. Frogs must remain moist.

1 answer

The correct response that explains how reproductive strategies have helped reptiles to be successful on land is:

C: Reptiles lay amniotic eggs; young are not restricted to life in a water environment.

This adaptation allows reptiles to reproduce successfully in a variety of terrestrial habitats, as their eggs provide a protective environment that prevents desiccation and can be laid in diverse environments away from water sources. Unlike amphibians, which must lay their eggs in water to ensure the young can develop and breathe using gills, reptiles do not have this limitation. Their reproductive strategy has enabled them to thrive in hotter, drier places.