Which of the following is NOT a way in which a land-dwelling snail might differ from a snail that lives in water?

• A. The number of chromosomes in their cells
• B. The composition of their shells
• C. The method by which they prevent water loss
• D. The structure of their respiratory organs

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by analyzing the question. It asks for a characteristic that does NOT differ between land-dwelling snails and water-dwelling snails. This means we need to identify the trait that remains consistent regardless of their habitat.
2. Step 2: Review the options provided: (1) The number of chromosomes in their cells, (2) The composition of their shells, (3) The method by which they prevent water loss, and (4) The structure of their respiratory organs.
3. Step 3: Understand that the number of chromosomes in an organism's cells is typically a species-specific trait and does not change based on habitat. This is a key biological principle.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the other options. The composition of shells, methods to prevent water loss, and respiratory structures are all traits that can vary significantly between land-dwelling and water-dwelling snails due to adaptations to their respective environments.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the number of chromosomes in their cells is the trait that does NOT differ between land-dwelling and water-dwelling snails, as it is a fixed genetic characteristic of the species.