Asked by monica fargas on Jun 06, 2024
Verified
Scientists are now grouping reptiles with birds and mammals because they are all vertebrates that have a(n) :
A) divided brain.
B) amniotic egg.
C) mammary gland.
D) jointed appendage.
E) epidermal covering.
Amniotic Egg
Egg that contains an amnion and other membranes that surround and protect the developing embryo and keep it moist; the evolution of the amniotic egg was one of the adaptations that allowed animals to become completely terrestrial.
Vertebrates
Animals that possess a backbone or spinal column, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Reptiles
A group of cold-blooded vertebrate animals characterized by scales or scutes, laying shelled eggs, and breathing air, including snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and turtles.
- Understand the attributes of different taxonomic classes and the basis upon which they are classified.
Verified Answer
KC
Kiara’s ChannelJun 11, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Reptiles, birds, and mammals are grouped together because they all have the capability to lay amniotic eggs. The amniotic egg is a key evolutionary adaptation that allows these animals to lay eggs on land without the risk of them drying out, unlike amphibians whose eggs must remain in water. This characteristic is not shared with the presence of mammary glands (specific to mammals) or a divided brain, jointed appendages, and epidermal coverings, which are more broadly shared across various animal groups.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the attributes of different taxonomic classes and the basis upon which they are classified.