Question

Which of the following is true regarding reptiles?
(a) Spindle-shaped body with scaly skin
(b) Waterproof skin with horny scales
(c) Body covered with hairs
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Reptiles have the body structure in a particularly lined form so that they can easily travel through water and also they are protected from any kind of injury and water loss.

Complete answer:
Let us see the options and get the solution gradually. The first option is given as a spindle- shaped body with scaly skin. Now, spindle- shaped bodies are generally the characteristics of the animals living in aquatic habitats which aid them in adapting to their habitat. The shape of the body ring spindle- shaped helps the aquatic animals to cut through the water and it makes it easier for them to swim in the water. The second option is given as waterproof skin with horny scales. This can be a reptilian characteristic because they have their skin such that it is protected from water and their body is protected from any kind of water loss. Also the presence of scaly skin helps them to protect their body from any kind of injury. Let us also investigate the other options which are given. The third option is given as a body covered with hairs. Now, as you know that hairs are typically a mammalian character and body hairs are only present in mammals hence this is strictly not a character of the reptiles.

Additional Information:
- Reptiles are ectothermic by which means that they are cold- blooded animals and they mostly live in terrestrial habitats.
- The scales in the body of the reptiles are epidermal and help them to protect the body from any kind of injury.

- Heart belonging to the reptiles consists of two auricles and one ventricle.
- In reptiles their operations of cranial nerves which are 12 pairs in number.
- The cloacal aperture is also present in the reptiles.
- Reptiles like these snakes and lizards which are a common example of reptilian animals have slips for the nostrils although they smell through the clicking of their tongue which is then transmitted to the Jacobson’s organ which controls their olfactory senses.
So the correct option is, “Waterproof skin with horny scales”.

Note:
- Reptiles are generally oviparous and they lay eggs rather than giving birth to young ones.
- Although all reptilian animals have a three- chambered heart the crocodile is the only exception that has the presence of a four- chambered heart.