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Multiple Choice
Which of the following characteristics first developed in reptiles?
A
Gills for respiration
B
Four-chambered heart
C
Amniotic egg
D
External fertilization
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the evolutionary significance of reptiles: Reptiles are a class of vertebrates that evolved adaptations to live on land, distinguishing them from amphibians.
Review the characteristics listed in the problem: Gills for respiration, Four-chambered heart, Amniotic egg, and External fertilization. Determine which of these traits are unique to reptiles or first appeared in reptiles.
Clarify the concept of the amniotic egg: The amniotic egg is a key adaptation that allows reptiles to reproduce on land. It contains membranes (like the amnion) that protect the embryo and provide a stable environment for development, reducing dependence on water for reproduction.
Compare the other traits: Gills for respiration are characteristic of aquatic organisms like fish and amphibians, not reptiles. A four-chambered heart is found in birds and mammals, though some reptiles have a partially divided heart. External fertilization is typical of amphibians, whereas reptiles generally use internal fertilization.
Conclude that the amniotic egg is the characteristic that first developed in reptiles, enabling them to thrive in terrestrial environments without relying on water for reproduction.