A contemporary land vertebrate has sharp, backward-pointing teeth, a thick, broa

Question

A contemporary land vertebrate has sharp, backward-pointing teeth, a thick, broad gullet, an expandable stomach, and a relatively simbple digestive tract. Based upon this information alone, which could you conclude?

a) the animal is a homeotherm, probably a mammalian carnivore
b) the animal is a herbivore, probably a mammal based upon the teeth

c) the animal is a homeotherm, probably crocodilian carnivore

d) the animal is a reptile-a snake, lizard, or crocodilian, and most likely poikelothermic

e) all of the above are possible

Explanation / Answer

Based upon the information the animal is a reptile - a snake, lizard or crocodilian and most likely poikelothermic.

Presence of sharp, backward-pointing teeth indicates the animal is a carnivorous. Because sharp teeth are needed to cut the meat. The teeth of herbivores are flat. The presence of thick and broad gullet indicates it is not the mammal carnivores.

The crocodilian carnivores are not homeotherm, they are poikelothermic.

So the option d is correct.

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