Question

Ichthyophis is a member of
A. Reptilia
B. Amphibia
C. Mollusca
D. Annelida

Answer 1

Hint: Ichthyophis belongs to the genus of Caecilians. They have either bluish black or dark brown color with yellow bands along the sides. And these are long snake like organisms

Complete answer:
Ichthyophis is a genus of caecilians sometimes called as the Asian caecilians; these are found in the southern Philippines, Southeast Asia and the western Indo-Australian Archipelago. They are long snake-like organisms. These are limbless amphibians and usually live in moist soil also they lead a borrowing life. It is elongated and like an animal and length measures up to 30 cm. Color is bluish black or dark brown with yellow bands along the sides. Its skin has transverse grooves, slime glands, squirt glands to produce the irritating fluid and is commonly known as coachella. Girdles and limbs are absent. Tail is vestigial or short and they have small eyes. Skull is compact and is roofed with bony vertebrae. Sexes separate and its larva have three pairs of external gills. Ichthyophis belongs to Amphibia and to the genus of Caecilians. Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates. They have a backbone, and they maintain body temperature through external means, such as lying in the sun.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: In Sri Lanka, three species are found. All are found in almost all habitats, but are known to prefer moist ones. The most common is the Ichthyophis glutinosus, and it is found in almost all altitudes; the others are I. orthoplicatus - found in similar habitat to I. glutinosus, but they are not found in lowlands below 460 metres, above sea level; and I. pseudangularis, which is found in lowlands below 1,200 metres ASL. Recently, a new species was discovered called Ichthyophis multicolor.