Question:

In Caecilians, vertebrae are:

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Amphicoelous vertebrae are common in primitive vertebrates like fishes and caecilians.
Updated On: Jun 20, 2026
  • Procoelous
  • Opisthocoelous
  • Amphicoelous
  • Heterocoelous
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding Caecilians.
Caecilians are limbless amphibians belonging to the class Amphibia, adapted for burrowing lifestyle.

Step 2: Vertebral structure concept.

Vertebrae in different vertebrates show different shapes at their articulating ends such as procoelous, opisthocoelous, amphicoelous, etc.

Step 3: Meaning of amphicoelous vertebrae.

Amphicoelous vertebrae are those in which both anterior and posterior ends are concave.

Step 4: Evolutionary significance.

Such vertebrae allow flexibility and uniform bending, which is useful in elongated burrowing animals like caecilians.

Step 5: Evaluating options.

- Procoelous: anterior concave, posterior convex.
- Opisthocoelous: anterior convex, posterior concave.
- Heterocoelous: saddle-shaped (birds).

Step 6: Final conclusion.

Thus, caecilians have amphicoelous vertebrae.
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