Salamanders belong to order Urodela, not Apoda, which consists of limbless caecilians.

This assertion-reason question tests amphibian classification, where salamanders are tailed amphibians while Apoda features burrowing, legless forms.

Question Breakdown

Assertion A incorrectly places salamanders in order Apoda of class Amphibia, as they belong to Urodela (or Caudata) with tails and limbs. Reason R accurately describes Apoda (Gymnophiona) as elongated, limbless burrowers like caecilians.

Option Analysis

• Both A and R correct, R explains A: Incorrect. A is false; R true but can’t explain wrong classification.

• Both A and R correct, R does not explain A: Wrong. A false.

• A correct, R incorrect: False. A wrong; R correctly defines Apoda’s morphology.

• A incorrect, R correct: Correct. Salamanders (Urodela) have lizard-like bodies with legs/tails; Apoda lacks limbs entirely.​

Correct Answer

A is not correct but R is correct.

Amphibia Orders Overview

Class Amphibia divides into three orders: Anura (frogs/toads), Urodela/Caudata (salamanders/newts), and Apoda/Gymnophiona (caecilians). Salamanders belong to order Apoda? No—they’re Urodela with elongated bodies, tails, and four limbs.

Assertion A: Classification Error

Salamanders belong to order Apoda of class Amphibia is false. Salamandra genus falls under Urodela, featuring moist skin, external gills in larvae, and limb regeneration. Apoda excludes them entirely.

Reason R: Apoda Characteristics

Order Apoda includes elongated, limbless and burrowing creatures holds true. Caecilians burrow in soil with annular rings, no limbs, small eyes, and chemical sensing—resembling earthworms or snakes.

Exam Strategy

CUET/NEET tip: Memorize mnemonics—Urodela (tailed Unicorns/salamanders), Apoda (Armless/burrowers), Anura (hoppers). R explains Apoda perfectly but not salamander placement.

This clarifies vertebrate zoology for your life sciences prep.