Question

UNIQUE characteristics for Clade Amniota

Answer 1

Characteristic

1. Amniotes involve reptiles, mammals and bird; shelled egg protected by waterproof skin (due to presence of lipids), amniotic membranes, and lung rib ventilation are shared characteristics between this group.
2. In amniotes, the egg shell protects the growing fetus and allows water retention while remaining pliable to gas exchange.
3. Amniotic eggs comprise albumin which provides water and nutrients for the embryo and egg yolk which provides nutrition for the embryo.
4. The amnion, chorion and allantois are the main membranes present only in amniotic eggs.
5. The chorion facilitates the exchange of gas between the environment outside of the egg and embryo.
6. The amnion defends the embryo from mechanical shock and enables hydration, while the allantois retains nitrogen losses and stimulates respiration.