Correct Answer: C. Do not expand enough for body growth
Explanation:
The rigid insect exoskeleton gives protection and muscle attachment, but it does not expand like living tissue. Arthropods therefore molt periodically to permit growth before a new exoskeleton hardens.
Correct Answer: B. Dry, keratinized, and less permeable
Explanation:
Reptilian skin is keratinized and relatively waterproof, which reduces evaporation. Amphibian skin remains moist and permeable, useful for respiration but risky in dry environments.
Moist glandular amphibian skin allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse across the body surface. This cutaneous respiration supplements lung breathing, especially during inactivity or in water.
Correct Answer: A. Thermoregulation and surface protection
Explanation:
Mammalian skin includes hair and glands that help insulation, cooling, lubrication, and protection. These are integumentary adaptations related to homeostasis and defense.
After molting, the new arthropod cuticle is soft and flexible. It later hardens through sclerotization or mineral deposition, restoring protection and support.
Correct Answer: B. Grows with the animal and supports large body size
Explanation:
An endoskeleton is internal, living tissue that grows with the body and provides strong support for larger animals. It also allows muscles to attach for controlled movement.
Arthropod muscles attach to the inner surfaces of the exoskeleton. Contraction moves jointed appendages, making the exoskeleton both protective and mechanical support.
A hydrostatic skeleton uses incompressible body fluid and muscle contractions to change body shape. Earthworms use circular and longitudinal muscles with coelomic fluid for burrowing locomotion.
Correct Answer: A. Protection and muscle attachment
Explanation:
The molluscan shell protects soft tissues and provides attachment points for muscles such as adductor muscles. It is not the main system for endocrine control or nerve conduction.
Correct Answer: A. Aquatic locomotion and body support
Explanation:
The vertebrate skeleton supports the body and works with muscles and fins to produce swimming movements. Its flexibility and segmental arrangement are linked to aquatic locomotion.
Correct Answer: A. Reduces body mass while maintaining support for flight
Explanation:
Bird skeletons contain lightweight adaptations while still providing rigid support. This combination helps flight by lowering mass without sacrificing wing control.