Question

The development of patagia in an animal is a
A. Cave adaptation
B. Volant adaptation
C. Aquatic adaptation
D. Arboreal adaptation

Answer 1

Hint: Patagia or commonly known as wings are the modifications that are seen in the birds that are largely used for flying. Birds have to keep their body in mind as well as get adapted for the propulsion.

Complete step by step answer: The animals that possess patagia or wings show Volant or flight adaptations. The patagia or wings are covered with light feathers that allow the body of the bird to become light in weight. This helps in the reduction of the weight of the organism during flying. Birds show two adaptive modifications- one for the air and one for land. For flying in the air they develop a mechanism called the flight mechanism apart from the terrestrial or aquatic adaptation. The adaptation of animals in the air or the extra-terrestrial environment is known as Volant adaptation. Volant adaptation is defined as the adaptations that are done by the animals that spend most of their time in the air, i.e., flying. The environment, i.e., the air is characteristically homogeneous and lighter than any other habitats. There is less possibility of friction with air during the movement of the birds. The only issue faced is the gravitational force of the earth. The animals that have Volant adaptations have developed flight mechanisms as their main instrument to overcome the gravitational force of the earth.
There are two types of flight that are seen in Volant animals:
1. Active flight – Some examples of active flight birds are Tree frog, Draco, etc.
2. Passive flight – Some examples of passive flight birds are Eagle, vultures, etc.
Hence, the correct option is B.

Note: Adaptation is defined as the evolutionary process that fits organisms to their respective environments, thereby enhancing the evolutionary fitness of the organism. Adaptation is extremely essential for the organisms to survive. Animals that are unable to adapt to environmental changes die very easily. These adaptations are a result of genetic changes. The animals that survive the changing conditions pass the mutated genes to their offsprings.