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Difficulty: HardVertebrates: Homoiothermic Classes (Aves and Mammalia)

In contrast to mammals (Mammalia), which possess three middle ear ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) and two occipital condyles, birds (Aves) possess a single middle ear ossicle (columella) and a single occipital condyle articulating with the atlas vertebra.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is True.
The statement accurately presents comparative vertebrate anatomy. Class Mammalia is characterized by three auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) and two occipital condyles at the base of the skull. Class Aves is characterized by a single auditory ossicle (columella auris) and a single occipital condyle, providing high mobility of the head.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the skeletal and auditory features of class Mammalia.
Mammals possess three middle ear ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) derived from evolutionary modification of jaw bones, and two occipital condyles at the base of the skull.
Establishing diagnostic anatomical traits for homoiothermic mammals.
2
Analyze the skeletal and auditory features of class Aves.
Birds possess a single auditory ossicle (columella auris) and a single occipital condyle articulating with the atlas vertebra.
Comparing avian skeletal adaptations to mammalian anatomy.
3
Evaluate the statement's accuracy against these comparative features.
The statement correctly attributes three middle ear ossicles and two occipital condyles to mammals, and a single middle ear ossicle and single occipital condyle to birds.
Confirming the statement's truth value.

Key Concept

Skeletal and auditory ossicle differences between Aves and Mammalia
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Topics

Vertebrates: Homoiothermic Classes (Aves and Mammalia)

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