Match each organism group to its characteristic evolutionary adaptation for gaseous exchange.
- Unicellular Protists (e.g., Amoeba)Simple diffusion across the cell membrane
- Annelids (e.g., Earthworm)Moist vascularized skin (cutaneous respiration)
- Insects (e.g., Cockroach)Tracheal system opening through spiracles
- Aquatic Vertebrates (e.g., Tilapia)Filamentous gills with counter-current flow
Answer
Unicellular Protists match simple diffusion across the cell membrane; Annelids match moist vascularized skin; Insects match the tracheal system opening through spiracles; Aquatic Vertebrates match filamentous gills with counter-current flow.
As organisms increased in structural complexity and adapted to diverse environments, respiratory surfaces evolved from simple cell membrane diffusion in single-celled organisms, to moist skin in soft-bodied terrestrial invertebrates, to specialized tracheal networks in insects, and highly efficient vascularized gills in aquatic vertebrates.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Evolutionary trends in gaseous exchange surfaces across animal taxa