Question

Polylecithal egg of reptiles, bird and monotremes are also called "cleidoic" egg because these

• A. Have calcareous shell and other membrane.
• B. Are an adaptation to terrestrial life.
• C. Have self sufficient food, water and salt.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Have calcareous shell and other membrane.

Cleidoic eggs are those eggs, which have a protective shell, and are laid out of water. The shell is porous to air, and may be flexible or calcareous (hard). The eggs contain all the food the embryo needs to develop into a hatchling. The significance of the cleidoic egg is that it enables reproduction out of, and often away from, water. The eggs of insects and birds, which is enclosed in a protective shell limiting the exchange of water, gases, etc. These type of eggs are found in reptiles, birds and insects. Hence, option A is correct.