Question

In mammals the largest vertebra is
A. Cervical
B. Lumbar
C. Caudal
D. Sacral.

Answer 1

Hint: Mammals belong to the subphylum vertebrata as they have notochord during the embryonic stage. Later, during the adult stage, it is replaced by the vertebral column. The vertebra is a series of bones from neck to tail which makes the vertebral column. The main function of the vertebral column is to protect the spinal cord

Complete answer: Vertebrae vary in shape mainly based on the region they are present and that the species they belong to.
The main portion of the vertebrae is called the body which is divided into the centrum and posterior vertebral arch.
There are many different types of vertebrae named based on their location in the body.
They are as follows:
-Cervical: These are present at the base of the skull from where the vertebral column starts. There are seven of these which are numbered as C1-C7. The cervical vertebrae enables the neck's motion.
-Lumbar: These constitute five vertebrae. Their function includes support and provides curvature to the spine. They also provide extension and side- bending.
-Caudal: These groups of bones make the tail of the organism. They may range from a few to about fifty in number which majorly depends on the tail length of the organism.
-Sacral -There are five sacral vertebrae, named as S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. During maturity, these five bones fuse and form a single large bone known as the sacrum. It is important for walking, standing, and sitting.
The largest vertebrae in the mammal is the Lumbar.
Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note:
There are other types of vertebrae in mammals.
-Thoracic vertebrae:These include twelve vertebrae that move down the body. Their main function is to protect the chest cavity which contains the heart and lung.
-In the case of humans, the tail part is reduced, hence the caudal vertebrae is referred to as the coccygeal vertebrae.