Select the incorrect statement.

Options

A. Mammals from colder climates generally have shorter ears and
limbs to minimise heat loss.
B. Many desert plants have a thick cuticle on their leaf surface and
have their stomata arraged in deep pits (sunken) to minimise water loss through transpiration
C. During altitude sickness, the body compensates low oxygen
availability by increasing red blood cell production, increasing the binding affinity of haemoglobin and by increasing breathing rate
D. Desert lizards manage to keep their body temperature fairly
constant by behaviouraly means.

Answer

To solve the question of selecting the incorrect statement from the provided options, we will analyze each statement step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze the First Statement:**
- Statement: "Mammals from colder climates generally have shorter ears and limbs to minimize heat loss."
- Explanation: This statement refers to Allen's rule, which states that animals in colder climates tend to have shorter extremities to reduce heat loss. This is a well-established principle in biology.
- Conclusion: This statement is **correct**.

2. **Analyze the Second Statement:**
- Statement: "Many desert plants have thick cuticle on the leaf surface and have their stomata arranged in deep pits sunken to minimize water loss through transpiration."
- Explanation: This statement describes adaptations of xerophytic plants that live in arid environments. A thick cuticle and sunken stomata help reduce water loss, making this statement accurate.
- Conclusion: This statement is **correct**.

3. **Analyze the Third Statement:**
- Statement: "During altitude sickness, the body compensates low oxygen availability by increasing red blood cell production, increasing the binding affinity of hemoglobin, and by increasing breathing rate."
- Explanation: While it is true that the body increases red blood cell production and breathing rate in response to low oxygen at high altitudes, it actually decreases the binding affinity of hemoglobin. This is a crucial point that makes this statement incorrect.
- Conclusion: This statement is **incorrect**.

4. **Analyze the Fourth Statement:**
- Statement: "Desert lizards manage to keep their body temperature purely constant by behavioral means."
- Explanation: Desert lizards, being ectothermic (cold-blooded), regulate their body temperature behaviorally through actions such as basking in the sun or seeking shade. This statement accurately describes their behavior.
- Conclusion: This statement is **correct**.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is **C: "During altitude sickness, the body compensates low oxygen availability by increasing red blood cell production, increasing the binding affinity of hemoglobin, and by increasing breathing rate."**

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