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Multiple Choice
How do reptiles primarily breathe?
A
Through gills like fish
B
By expanding and contracting their ribcage
C
Through their skin like amphibians
D
By using a diaphragm like mammals
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that reptiles are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that include snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
Recognize that unlike fish, reptiles do not have gills. Fish use gills to extract oxygen from water, which is not applicable to reptiles.
Note that reptiles do not breathe through their skin like amphibians. Amphibians have moist skin that allows for gas exchange, but reptiles have dry, scaly skin.
Identify that reptiles do not have a diaphragm like mammals. Mammals use a diaphragm to help expand the lungs and draw in air.
Reptiles primarily breathe by expanding and contracting their ribcage. This movement increases and decreases the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs.