Egg-laying land animals have evolved to produce eggs with tough shells to ensure that
A .external fertilization can take place.
B.the egg and sperm can fuse
C.parental care is unnecessary***
D.
the developing embryo does no dry out
The correct answer is D. The tough shells of eggs in egg-laying land animals evolved to ensure that the developing embryo does not dry out.
To arrive at this answer, we can analyze the different options and eliminate the incorrect ones:
A. External fertilization can take place: This option is incorrect because land animals that lay eggs generally do not rely on external fertilization. Instead, most of these animals engage in internal fertilization, where the sperm fertilizes the egg inside the female's body before it is laid.
B. The egg and sperm can fuse: This option is also not the main reason for the development of tough shells. The fusion of the egg and sperm occurs during fertilization, which happens before the shell is formed. The main purpose of the shell is to protect the developing embryo.
C. Parental care is unnecessary: This option is also incorrect because many egg-laying land animals do provide some form of parental care. Some species may guard the nest or eggs, regulate the temperature, or provide nutrients to the developing embryos. So, there is a need for parental care in many cases.
D. The developing embryo does not dry out: This is the correct answer. The tough shell of the egg provides a protective barrier that prevents the embryo from drying out. Land animals lay their eggs in environments with low moisture, and the shell acts as a waterproof enclosure, retaining the necessary moisture for the embryo's development.
In summary, the evolution of tough shells in eggs of egg-laying land animals primarily serves to prevent the developing embryo from drying out.
do nesting birds take care of their young?
Ever seen a picture of a parent bird bringing worms or insects to the nest?
Now what do you think is the answer?