Question Detail
Question
Consider the following statements: 1. In the cranium of Rana, parietal fossa is present. 2. In the cranium of Columba, parietal foramen is absent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Both statements are correct. In Rana (frog), the cranium has a parietal fossa, which is a depression for the pineal organ (or parietal eye). In Columba (pigeon), the parietal foramen (which in some reptiles and amphibians houses a parietal eye) is absent, as birds do not have a functional parietal eye. This reflects the evolutionary reduction of the parietal foramen in birds and mammals.
Hint
Compare the presence or absence of parietal structures in amphibian and avian skulls.