Animals faced challenges when moving from water to land. What was the single most important adaptation that led to the uncoupling of reproduction and the need for an aquatic habitat?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The amniotic egg allowed reproduction to take place outside of the aquatic environment, thus removing the need for an aquatic habitat for reproduction. These eggs have a shell that protects the developing embryo and provides it with nutrients, oxygen, and water. The development of the amniotic egg was a major step in the evolution of vertebrates from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Internal fertilization and flagellated sperm are also adaptations that aided in the transition to terrestrial life, but they were not the single most important adaptation that led to the uncoupling of reproduction and the need for an aquatic habitat.

Animals Faced Challenges When Moving from Water to Land