Question

Which are the three main adaptations that allowed reptiles to become independent from water?

Answer 1

Answer:

The three main adaptations that allowed reptiles to become independent from water are: Amniotic egg, Dry skin, Internal fertilization.

Explanation:

The class reptilia refers to all the creeping or crawling animals. Reptiles are the first true land vertebrates. They are cold blooded or poikilotherms. They exhibit several adaptations to survive on land. Reptiles along with birds and mammals are called amniotes (with amnion) whereas Pisces and amphibians are called anamniotes (without amnion). Amnion is an embryonic membrane which protects the embryo from drying out. Since reptiles are land vertebrates they lay amniotic eggs to prevent drying of embryo. Their body is covered by dry and cornified skin, epidermal scales or scutes to prevent loss of water from the body. In some fishes and amphibians the eggs are released into the water bodies and fertilization occur externally but in case of reptiles the fertilization is internal. The development is direct in reptiles.