Multiple Choice
Which adaptation was crucial for reptiles to successfully colonize dry land?
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21. Evolution
Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection
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Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes modern birds from reptiles?
A
Presence of feathers
B
Laying of amniotic eggs
C
Cold-blooded metabolism
D
Scaly skin covering the entire body
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the key characteristics of modern birds and reptiles. Birds are descendants of reptiles, but they have evolved distinct features over time.
Review the presence of feathers as a defining characteristic of birds. Feathers are unique to birds and serve functions such as flight, insulation, and display.
Examine the laying of amniotic eggs. Both birds and reptiles lay amniotic eggs, so this is not a distinguishing feature between the two groups.
Analyze metabolism types. Birds are warm-blooded (endothermic), while most reptiles are cold-blooded (ectothermic). However, the question specifies 'cold-blooded metabolism,' which applies to reptiles, not birds.
Consider the presence of scaly skin. Reptiles have scaly skin covering their entire body, while birds have scales only on their legs and feet, with feathers covering the rest of their body. This is another distinguishing feature, but the presence of feathers is the most defining characteristic of modern birds.
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