From an evolutionary perspective, briefly explain why amphibian physiology provides an important link between aquatic and terrestrial organisms

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Amphibians are intermediate between fish and reptiles in several ways. For example, amphibian larvae are aquatic and breathe via gills, just like fish. When in water, adult amphibians face similar osmotic challenges as do freshwater fish. Unlike fish, adult amphibians use lungs to breathe on land, may also use their skin as a gas-exchange surface, and excrete urea as a waste product. We see similarities between amphibians and reptiles when it comes to skeletons and muscles: Land tetrapods require more robust skeletons and musculature to support their bodies on land. Some amphibians, such as toads, have evolved a thickened body covering to avoid desiccation. Reptiles are even better adapted to dry conditions, having evolved tough scales to prevent water loss

Anatomy & Physiology

You might also like to view...

Define Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindles relative to the stretch reflex.

What will be an ideal response?

Anatomy & Physiology

The lower the pH, the higher the hydrogen ion concentration

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Anatomy & Physiology

A soft callus forms during ________

A) the remodeling of bone B) intramembranous ossification C) endochondral ossification D) the healing of a fracture E) bone growth at the metaphysis

Anatomy & Physiology

Most kidney tubules are made of ________ epithelial tissue, which is specialized for absorption and secretion.

A. simple columnar B. pseudostratified columnar C. stratified cuboidal D. simple cuboidal E. stratified columnar

Anatomy & Physiology