Question

The caudal fin of a fish and a pigeon is useful to

• A. Maintain balance
• B. Change direction
• C. Decrease the velocity
• D. Increase the velocity

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Increase the velocity

The correct option is D.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Fish and pigeons both belongs to phylum Chordata of the animal kingdom.
2. A pigeon belongs to class Aves.
3. Fishes are members of the class Pisces.
4. The caudal fin, commonly referred to as the tail fin, is found in both fishes and birds.
5. Both fish and pigeons use their caudal fins to boost their speed.
6. The caudal fin performs two key functions.
7. It provides the power to move a organism forward.
8. It also acts like a rudder to help an organism steer.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The top fin, or dorsal fin, serves primarily as protection but is also needed for balance.
2. The fish's bottom or belly, is home to the ventral and anal fins, which aid in balance and steering.
3. The caudal fin, often known as the tail fin, aids in forwarding motion in fish.

Option B:

1. The fins and tail are the fish's locomotive organs because they enable movement, balance, and direction change underwater.
2. They could be fibrous, bony, or cartilaginous in structure.

Option C:

1. To decrease frictional drag and velocity, fish can exude mucus or slime all over their bodies.
2. The slime is made up of proteins and lipids, some of which can function as surfactants and many of which comprise lengthy chains of molecules.

Final answer: The caudal fin of a fish or a pigeon is useful for increasing the velocity.