Snails and beetles have exoskeletons. Hypothesize the advantages and disadvantages of having an exoskeleton rather than a backbone. Explain your answer in one or two sentences.(2 points)
Advantages of having an exoskeleton are that it provides protection from predators, support, and prevents water loss while disadvantage include limited growth and movement restrictions.
Vertebrates include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Analyze the common characteristics of reptiles and explain how they differ from mammals. Explain your answer in one or two sentences.
Common characteristics of reptiles include dry, scaly skin, laying eggs with soft shells, and being ectothermic. Reptiles are different from mammals in that they have a single circulatory loop, lungs with few internal divisions, and lack hair or fur.
To hypothesize the advantages and disadvantages of having an exoskeleton rather than a backbone, we need to consider the structural and functional aspects.
Advantages of having an exoskeleton: An exoskeleton provides protection from physical injuries and predators, as it forms a hard outer covering. It also helps retain moisture, preventing dehydration in arid environments.
Disadvantages of having an exoskeleton: An exoskeleton limits growth potential and flexibility as it cannot grow with the organism. Molting is necessary to accommodate growth, leaving the organism vulnerable during that time. Additionally, the exoskeleton makes it harder to exchange gases and can limit mobility compared to a backbone.