The Question is from neet-zoology animal-kingdom reptilia, and it was created by the author T HARITHA

Question

Which unique adaptation in crocodilian reptiles allows them to breathe while submerged with their mouth open?

T HARITHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Respiratory adaptations in reptiles
 **Related Topics**: Anatomy of crocodilians, gas exchange, aquatic adaptations
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of respiratory systems
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the adaptation allowing crocodilians to breathe underwater with their mouths open.
  Options are given: internal nostrils, secondary palate, epiglottis, operculum.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option to determine its function in respiration.
  Reasoning: We need to find the structure that separates the nasal passages from the mouth, allowing air to enter the lungs even when the mouth is open and submerged.
 2. Evaluate the function of a secondary palate.
  Working: A secondary palate is a bony structure that separates the nasal passages from the oral cavity. This allows crocodilians to breathe through their nostrils while their mouth is submerged and potentially open.
  Key Point:  The secondary palate is a unique adaptation found in crocodilians.
 3. Eliminate incorrect options.
  Result: The secondary palate is the correct answer.
  Verification: The other options are not involved in separating the nasal and oral cavities; internal nostrils are openings, the epiglottis covers the trachea in mammals, and the operculum is a gill cover in fish.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Internal nostrils are the openings for air to enter the nasal passages, but they don't prevent water from entering the mouth while submerged.
B ✓: Secondary palate effectively separates the nasal passage from the oral cavity, enabling breathing with an open mouth underwater.
C :x: Epiglottis is a cartilage flap that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing; it's not directly involved in underwater breathing in crocodilians.
D :x: Operculum is a gill cover in fish, not a feature of reptiles.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the function of the epiglottis with that of the secondary palate: The epiglottis is involved in swallowing, while the secondary palate is crucial for underwater breathing in crocodilians.
  2.Selecting internal nostrils: While important for breathing, the nostrils alone do not prevent water from entering the mouth.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that crocodilians are uniquely adapted to aquatic life; this adaptation is a key feature.
  2.Visualize the anatomy of the crocodilian head and how the secondary palate separates the nasal and oral cavities.

T HARITHA · Answer

Internal nostrils

T HARITHA · Answer

The correct Option is "Secondary palate"

T HARITHA · Answer

Epiglottis

T HARITHA · Answer

Operculum

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