Which term describes vertebrates that live on land and have scales?

Which term describes vertebrates that live on land and have scales?

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

Answer: (B)

Living on land and having scales points to reptiles. Their skin is covered in keratinized scales, which helps prevent water loss and protects the body in dry, terrestrial environments. Along with lungs for breathing air, these adaptations support life away from water. Amphibians, with their smooth, moist skin and reliance on water for reproduction, don’t fit the description. Fish live in water, and birds, while land-dwelling, are defined by feathers rather than skin covered in scales. So the term that best fits is reptiles.

Living on land and having scales points to reptiles. Their skin is covered in keratinized scales, which helps prevent water loss and protects the body in dry, terrestrial environments. Along with lungs for breathing air, these adaptations support life away from water. Amphibians, with their smooth, moist skin and reliance on water for reproduction, don’t fit the description. Fish live in water, and birds, while land-dwelling, are defined by feathers rather than skin covered in scales. So the term that best fits is reptiles.