Ch. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity

Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th Edition

Ch. 19 The Evolution of Vertebrate Diversity

Problem 10

Chapter 19, Problem 10

Compare the adaptations of amphibians and reptiles for terrestrial life.

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Identify the basic physiological and structural differences between amphibians and reptiles. Amphibians generally have moist, permeable skin that aids in respiration, while reptiles have dry, scaly skin that prevents water loss.

Discuss the respiratory adaptations. Amphibians often rely on both lungs and their skin for breathing, whereas reptiles primarily use well-developed lungs, which are more efficient for terrestrial life.

Examine reproductive adaptations. Amphibians usually need a water environment for their eggs to develop, as their eggs lack a protective shell and can desiccate quickly on land. Reptiles, on the other hand, lay eggs with hard shells that protect the embryo from desiccation and allow them to reproduce entirely on land.

Consider the adaptations for temperature regulation. Reptiles are ectothermic but have behavioral adaptations like basking in the sun and seeking shade to regulate their body temperature. Amphibians are also ectothermic but often rely on the moist environments to avoid extreme temperatures.

Analyze the habitat and lifestyle adaptations. Reptiles have developed a wider range of habitats and lifestyles due to their more advanced adaptations for conserving water and dealing with temperature fluctuations, which allows them to inhabit more diverse and drier environments compared to amphibians.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Adaptations for Water Conservation

Both amphibians and reptiles have developed adaptations to minimize water loss in terrestrial environments. Amphibians typically have permeable skin that allows for gas exchange but can lead to dehydration, so they often inhabit moist areas. In contrast, reptiles possess scaly skin that is impermeable to water, which significantly reduces water loss and allows them to thrive in drier habitats.

Reproductive Strategies

Amphibians and reptiles exhibit different reproductive strategies that reflect their adaptations to land. Amphibians usually lay eggs in water, requiring a moist environment for their larvae, while reptiles have evolved to lay eggs on land with protective shells, allowing them to reproduce in a wider range of terrestrial habitats. This shift in reproductive strategy is crucial for their survival in diverse environments.

Respiratory Adaptations

Respiratory adaptations are vital for both amphibians and reptiles as they transition to terrestrial life. Amphibians primarily use lungs for breathing as adults but also rely on cutaneous respiration through their skin. Reptiles, on the other hand, have more advanced lungs that allow for efficient gas exchange, enabling them to maintain higher levels of activity in terrestrial environments.

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