Select the correct statement w.r.t. adaptations

Options

A. Desert lizards bask in the sun and absorb heat when their body temperature drops below comfort zone
B. To stop experiencing altitude sickness, the body compensates low oxygen availability by increasing binding affinity of haemoglobin
C. Mammals of colder climate generally have larger ears and limbs to minimise heat loss
D. Many desert plants have thin cuticle on their leaf surface and have their stomata arranged on upper surface to minimise water loss.

Answer

To solve the question regarding adaptations, we will analyze each statement provided and determine which one is correct.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze the First Statement**:
- The statement says, "Desert lizards bask in the sun and absorb heat when their body temperature drops below comfort zone."
- **Evaluation**: This is true. Desert lizards are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. When they get too cold, they bask in the sun to absorb heat and return to their optimal body temperature.

2. **Analyze the Second Statement**:
- The statement says, "To stop experiencing altitude sickness, the body compensates low oxygen availability by increasing binding affinity of hemoglobin."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is false. At high altitudes, the oxygen availability is low, and the binding affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen actually decreases, not increases. Instead, the body compensates by increasing the breathing rate to take in more oxygen.

3. **Analyze the Third Statement**:
- The statement says, "Mammals of colder climate generally have larger ears and limbs to minimize heat loss."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is also false. According to Allen's rule, mammals in colder climates tend to have shorter limbs and ears to reduce heat loss, not larger ones.

4. **Analyze the Fourth Statement**:
- The statement says, "Many desert plants have thin cuticle on their leaf surface and have their stomata arranged on upper surface to minimize water loss."
- **Evaluation**: This statement is false. Desert plants typically have a thick cuticle to prevent water loss, and their stomata are often located on the lower surface of the leaves to reduce water loss through evaporation.

5. **Conclusion**:
- After evaluating all the statements, the only correct statement is the first one regarding desert lizards. Therefore, the correct answer is the first statement.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement with respect to adaptations is: "Desert lizards bask in the sun and absorb heat when their body temperature drops below comfort zone."