[Campbell Biology P.1184] What is the primary difference in the challenges faced by animals m... | Practice Question

What is the primary difference in the challenges faced by animals moving on land versus those moving in water, according to the text?

  • A: Land animals primarily overcome air resistance, while aquatic animals primarily overcome gravity.
  • B: Land animals primarily overcome gravity and friction, while aquatic animals primarily overcome drag (friction).
  • C: Land animals face minimal resistance, while aquatic animals must contend with extreme buoyancy.
  • D: Both land and aquatic animals face similar challenges from friction and gravity, but the density of the medium differs.

Explanation

The text states that on land, an animal 'must be able to support itself and move against gravity' and also overcome friction. In water, 'overcoming gravity is less of a problem,' but 'water is a much denser and more viscous medium than air, and thus drag friction is a major problem for aquatic animals.'