Based on a typical vertebrate cladogram, which two groups of organisms are most likely to have dry skin?

Review the traits of the groups mentioned: Amphibians typically have moist, permeable skin for gas exchange. Fish have scales and live in aquatic environments, so their skin is not dry. Reptiles and birds, however, have adaptations for dry environments—reptiles have scales, and birds have feathers, both of which help prevent water loss.

Recall evolutionary relationships: Reptiles and birds are more closely related on a cladogram because birds evolved from a group of reptiles. This shared ancestry explains their similar adaptation of dry skin.