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Question #46195
The Question
The evolutionary transition to terrestrial habitats required significant integumentary adaptations. Comparing the integument of a frog (Rana tigrina) and a typical mammal, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The mammalian epidermis features a highly keratinized stratum corneum that minimizes water loss, representing an evolutionary trade-off that completely eliminates cutaneous respiration.
- B.
The frog's integument lacks a heavily keratinized layer and relies on mucous glands to maintain moisture, facilitating cutaneous gas exchange at the cost of high susceptibility to dehydration.
- C.
To achieve maximum terrestrial water conservation, the mammalian integument evolved to be entirely devoid of epidermal glands, relying solely on internal ureotelic excretion.
- D.
Despite the impermeable nature of their keratinized skin, mammals possess highly specialized epidermal glandular derivatives, such as mammary glands, which are essential for reproductive success.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Mammalia Mammary Glands|Frog Integumentary Respiration|Nitrogenous Waste Classification
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The 'Conceptual Pivot' is the misconception that an impermeable, water-conserving integument must be entirely non-glandular.
Students often confuse the evolutionary loss of a permeable respiratory surface (like the frog's skin) with the complete loss of epidermal glands.
The trap exploits the absolute phrasing 'entirely devoid of epidermal glands', testing the student's recall that mammary, sweat, and sebaceous glands are fundamental mammalian epidermal derivatives despite their highly keratinized, water-conserving skin.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Mammalia Mammary Glands |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |