Which term means small, flat plates that cover the skin of reptiles and some fish?

Which term means small, flat plates that cover the skin of reptiles and some fish?

• A. Vertebrate
• B. Reptile
• C. Scales
• D. Cold-blooded

Answer: (C)

Scales are the small, flat plates that form a protective covering over the skin of many reptiles and some fishes. In reptiles, scales are made of keratin and lie in overlapping rows to create a tough, moisture-saving barrier that also helps shield the body from wear. In fishes, scales come in various types but all serve to protect the fish and reduce drag as it moves through water. The term described is the one that names these protective plates themselves, rather than broader categories like being a vertebrate or a reptile, or a trait like being cold-blooded.

Scales are the small, flat plates that form a protective covering over the skin of many reptiles and some fishes. In reptiles, scales are made of keratin and lie in overlapping rows to create a tough, moisture-saving barrier that also helps shield the body from wear. In fishes, scales come in various types but all serve to protect the fish and reduce drag as it moves through water. The term described is the one that names these protective plates themselves, rather than broader categories like being a vertebrate or a reptile, or a trait like being cold-blooded.