In the case of reptiles, their heart is not properly divided in to four chambers i.e., it consists of two auricles and an incompletely divided ventricle. Which of the following is an example of a reptile having a four-chambered heart?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Crocodile.
Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart — consisting of two auricles (atria) and one partially divided ventricle. However, there is one notable exception:
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Their heart has two atria and two completely separated ventricles, allowing for complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
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Despite this, crocodiles can shunt blood between circuits when diving, using a unique structure called the Foramen of Panizza, which is not present in birds or mammals.
So, among reptiles, crocodiles are unique in having a true four-chambered heart.