If the ancestral form for a particular lineage was aquatic and used gills for respiration, what changes would you expect to see in a terrestrial descendant?

Question

﻿If the ancestral form for a particular lineage was aquatic and used gills for respiration, what changes would you expect to see in a terrestrial descendant?

Accepted Answer

∻Answer∻ ⚹ Evolution of respiratory structures and other adaptations for terrestrial life ⚹ ∻Solution∻ ‖ a ⋮ Development of lungs: The terrestrial descendant would likely evolve lungs to extract oxygen from the air. ‖ ‖ b ⋮ Changes in the circulatory system: The circulatory system would adapt to transport oxygen more efficiently in a terrestrial environment. ‖ ‖ c ⋮ Structural support and locomotion: The organism might develop stronger limbs and skeletal structures to support its body weight against gravity. ‖ ‖ d ⋮ Desiccation resistance: Adaptations to prevent water loss, such as waxy skin coatings or more efficient kidney function, would be necessary. ‖ ∻Key Concept∻ ⚹ Terrestrial adaptation from aquatic ancestry ⚹ ∻Explanation∻ ⚹ Terrestrial descendants of aquatic ancestors would need to develop adaptations for respiration, support, locomotion, and desiccation resistance to survive on land. ⚹◊How might the development of lungs in a terrestrial descendant impact their respiratory capabilities compared to using gills for respiration in an aquatic ancestor?⍭ Generate me a similar question◊

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