Lateral line system found in fishes has been lost in Amphibia because of

Options

A. Development of sturdy legs
B. Change over to herbivorous feeding
C. Occurrence of metamorphosis in Amphibia
D. Evolution of terrestrial habit.

Answer

To answer the question regarding why the lateral line system found in fishes has been lost in amphibians, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Lateral Line System
The lateral line system is a sensory organ found primarily in aquatic vertebrates, especially fishes. It consists of a series of sensory cells that detect movement and vibrations in the water, allowing fish to sense their environment and respond to potential dangers.

**Hint:** Think about how aquatic animals sense their surroundings differently than terrestrial animals.

### Step 2: Identify the Role of the Lateral Line System
The primary function of the lateral line system is to detect water currents and vibrations, which is crucial for survival in aquatic environments. This system helps fish navigate, hunt, and avoid predators.

**Hint:** Consider the importance of sensing vibrations in an aquatic habitat compared to a terrestrial one.

### Step 3: Understand the Transition to Amphibians
Amphibians represent a transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. During their life cycle, many amphibians undergo metamorphosis, which involves significant physiological changes as they adapt to life on land.

**Hint:** Reflect on the changes that occur during metamorphosis and how they might affect sensory systems.

### Step 4: Regression Metamorphosis
During metamorphosis, amphibians experience regression metamorphosis, which involves the loss or modification of certain traits that are no longer necessary in a terrestrial environment. This includes the deletion of the lateral line system.

**Hint:** Think about what adaptations might be necessary for life on land compared to life in water.

### Step 5: Evolution of Terrestrial Habitat
The evolution of a terrestrial habitat means that amphibians no longer rely on the lateral line system for sensing their environment. Instead, they develop other adaptations, such as sturdy legs for movement and other sensory systems suited for land.

**Hint:** Consider how the shift from water to land influences the types of sensory systems that are advantageous.

### Conclusion
The lateral line system has been lost in amphibians primarily due to the evolution of the terrestrial habitat and the associated regression metamorphosis that occurs during their life cycle. This leads to the deletion of the neuromasts that make up the lateral line system.

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is option 4: the evolution of the terrestrial habitat.