Question

Given below is the representation of the extent of the global diversity of vertebrates. What groups do the portions represent?

A. A - Mammals, B – Birds, C – Fishes, D – Amphibians, E – Reptiles
B. A – Fishes, B – Mammals, C – Birds, D –Reptiles, E - Amphibians
C. A – Birds, B – Reptiles, C – Fishes, D – Mammals, E – Amphibians
D. A – Fishes, B – Amphibians, C – Mammals, D – Birds, E – Reptiles

Answer 1

Vertebrates are the animals that belong to the subphylum Vertebrata and phylum Chordata. Vertebrates have a backbone inside their body. For example, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Vertebrates are more specialized than invertebrates due to the presence of a vertebral column. Vertebrates are often larger and have a more complex organ system. They have a well-developed nervous system and ability to locomotion. Vertebrates reproduce sexually whereas invertebrates reproduce asexually.

Complete answer:
Due to the process of mutation and recombination the gene pool changes and it may lead to a change in the diverse range of vertebrates.
There are external factors that may bring certain adaptational changes which may also contribute to global diversity. These factors are temperature, food availability.
In the given pie chart, fishes occupy maximum global diversity followed by mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Fishes constitute the highest diversity among the vertebrates.
Mammals constitute the last position in the extent of global diversity.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
-Birds are the second highest group after the fishes.
-Reptiles are the third in diversity among the vertebrates.
-Amphibians occupy the second last position in the vertebrates.
-There are a total of 40,000 species of vertebrates in the world.

Note: Vertebrates are the animals that belong to the subphylum Vertebrata and phylum Chordata. Vertebrates have a backbone inside their body. For example, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. In the given pie chart, fishes occupy maximum global diversity followed by mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Fishes constitute the highest diversity among the vertebrates. Mammals constitute the last position in the extent of global diversity.