Chapter 29, Problem 5A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Reptiles were the first completely terrestrial vertebrates and are fully adapted to live on land. Characteristics like scaly skin, circulatory and respiratory system and shelled egg allow them to succeed on land. They have common characteristics with other organisms such as the presence of an amnion and other membranes.

Answer to Problem 5A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (A) A.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (A) A. The given image is of a salamander. Salamanders belong to class amphibia and have long bodies with necks and tails. Most of them have four legs and thin, moist skin. They cannot live far from water. Thus, option (A) is the correct answer.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (B) B. The figure B is of a snake. Snakes belong to the order Squamata of class reptilia. They are legless and have shorter tails than lizards and lack movable eyelids and tympanic membranes. They have joints in their heads enabling them to eat prey that are larger than their heads. The entire body of a snake is covered by scales. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) C. The figure C is of tuatara. Tuataras look like large lizards and have a spiny crest that runs along the back and a third eye on top of the head. They are included in reptiles. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) D. The image D is of a Lizard. Lizards belong to reptiles. They have scaly skin, shelled egg, and efficient circulatory and respiratory systems. So, this is an incorrect answer.