Ectothermic, aquatic vertebrates. Ectothermic vertebrates. Ectothermic vertebrates

Question

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.

Answer 1

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

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

This choice highlights the key adaptation of the amniotic egg, which allows reptiles to reproduce and have their young develop in a terrestrial environment, without the need for water to support their early life stages. Unlike amphibians that must lay their eggs in water and have aquatic larval forms, reptiles have adapted to lay eggs in various environments, enabling them to thrive in hotter, drier habitats.