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Question #46181
The Question
The adaptive radiation of early tetrapods into diverse terrestrial ecosystems was marked by significant morphological shifts. Which of the following statements INCORRECTLY describes the evolutionary constraints and adaptations of the amphibian integument during this transition?
Options
- A.
The absence of epidermal scales and the presence of mucous glands are essential to maintain a permeable surface for cutaneous respiration.
- B.
The evolutionary trade-off for utilizing the skin as a major respiratory organ is a high susceptibility to desiccation in xeric environments.
- C.
The transition to a completely terrestrial lifestyle was achieved by the deposition of water-resistant keratin in the epidermis, which simultaneously enhanced cutaneous gas exchange.
- D.
Their inability to undergo extensive adaptive radiation into arid habitats is fundamentally linked to both their non-amniotic eggs and highly permeable integument.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Amphibian Integument | Adaptive Radiation Logic | Analogous Organ Structure
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The inverse relationship between desiccation resistance (keratinization) and cutaneous respiration (permeability).
Students often memorize that 'keratin helps land animals survive' but fail to synthesize that it destroys the amphibian's primary respiratory mechanism.
The trap lies in combining a true evolutionary adaptation (keratinization for terrestrial life) with a biologically impossible outcome (enhanced cutaneous respiration).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Amphibian Integument |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |