[Campbell Biology P.783] Based on the information provided, what feature of amphibians would... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided, what feature of amphibians would most likely make them particularly sensitive to environmental problems, as suggested by the "WHAT IF?" question?

  • A: Their ability to survive in relatively dry terrestrial environments.
  • B: Their dependence on an aqueous environment for reproduction, due to shell-less eggs.
  • C: Their status as tetrapods with four limbs.
  • D: Their role as a key evolutionary innovation for terrestrial life.

Explanation

The text states that in contrast to amniotic eggs, amphibians have 'shell-less eggs' and that amniotic shells 'slows dehydration of the egg in air,' enabling amniotes to occupy a 'wider range of terrestrial habitats than amphibians'. This implies that amphibians' reliance on water for reproduction and their vulnerable, shell-less eggs make them highly susceptible to environmental changes, particularly those affecting water quality or humidity, acting as an 'early warning system'.