Describe some key physiological adaptations that allowed animals to successfully colonize terrestrial environments

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Animals had to evolve physiological adaptations to successfully invade terrestrial environments. Desiccation is a risk for all land organisms; therefore, adaptations to conserve water were critical. Animals also had to overcome the challenge of controlling their internal osmolarity, independent of the external environment. Animals evolved a body surface that would prevent water loss (e.g., reptilian scales). An excretory system used to expel nitrogenous wastes out of water was also an important adaptation for land animals. When water was no longer available for support, skeletons and muscles evolved to allow locomotion on land. In addition, respiratory systems to exchange gases on land became a requirement for successful survival on land.

Anatomy & Physiology

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Why does our blood pressure generally go up as we age?

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What prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus from the stomach?

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Which hypothalamic nucleus is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms?

A) suprachiasmatic nucleus B) preoptic area C) autonomic nucleus D) paraventricular nucleus E) tuber cinereum

Anatomy & Physiology