Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
The objective is to match specific animal groups or organisms with their specialized modes of respiration. This requires knowledge of comparative animal physiology.
Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
Modes of respiration:
1. Branchial: Gills (aquatic).
2. Pulmonary: Lungs (terrestrial).
3. Cutaneous: Skin (moist environment).
4. Direct diffusion: Simple surfaces (unicellular).
Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:
Molluscs (A): Most aquatic molluscs possess feather-like gills (ctenidia) in the mantle cavity for gas exchange. Respiration through gills is called branchial respiration. Thus, A matches with II.
Reptiles (B): Reptiles are terrestrial vertebrates with scaly skin. They breathe primarily through well-developed lungs. Thus, they use pulmonary respiration only. Thus, B matches with I.
Adult Amphibians (C): Frogs are unique because they can breathe through lungs (pulmonary) on land and through their moist skin (cutaneous) both on land and in water. Thus, C matches with IV.
Amoeba (D): Being a unicellular organism, Amoeba lacks specialized respiratory organs. Gas exchange occurs directly across the body surface into the cell via diffusion. This is associated with basic cellular respiration processes. Thus, D matches with III.
Step 4 : Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is A-II, B-I, C-IV, and D-III. This matches the arrangement in option (D).