Vertebrates that live on land, scales cover body, lay eggs, cold blooded.

Vertebrates that live on land, scales cover body, lay eggs, cold blooded.

• A. Amphibians
• B. Birds
• C. Fish
• D. Reptiles

Answer: (D)

Traits like living on land, having scales, laying eggs, and being cold-blooded describe reptiles. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature depends on the environment. Their bodies are covered with dry, protective scales that reduce water loss, a key adaptation for living on land. Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs with protective coverings, though some give birth to live young. Amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, need moist environments and have permeable, moist skin and eggs that lack dry shells, so they don’t fit all the traits. Birds are warm-blooded and have feathers, so they don’t match the cold-blooded criterion. Fish live in water and while they have scales, they aren’t land-dwellers. All together, the combination points to reptiles.

Traits like living on land, having scales, laying eggs, and being cold-blooded describe reptiles. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature depends on the environment. Their bodies are covered with dry, protective scales that reduce water loss, a key adaptation for living on land. Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs with protective coverings, though some give birth to live young. Amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, need moist environments and have permeable, moist skin and eggs that lack dry shells, so they don’t fit all the traits. Birds are warm-blooded and have feathers, so they don’t match the cold-blooded criterion. Fish live in water and while they have scales, they aren’t land-dwellers. All together, the combination points to reptiles.