The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Aquatic animals exhibit various adaptations to survive in water, including body shape modifications for movement and specialized organs for respiration. While streamlining is a common adaptation to reduce friction, it is not universal among all aquatic species.Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Not all sea animals possess a streamlined shape. Organisms such as squids and octopuses, which typically inhabit deeper ocean levels near the seabed, do not naturally have a streamlined body shape while at rest. Other bottom-dwellers like starfish also lack this shape.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Although squids and octopuses are not permanently streamlined, they possess the physiological ability to alter their body shape. When they need to move through the water, they make their bodies streamlined to reduce resistance and swim efficiently.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Gills are the primary respiratory organs in most fish. They are specialized projections of the skin that allow fish to extract oxygen dissolved in water. Aquatic mammals like whales and dolphins do not possess gills; they breathe air through blowholes or nostrils.
Key Takeaway: While a streamlined body is a prevalent adaptation for reducing water resistance, some deep-sea animals like squids adopt this shape only during movement. Gills are the standard respiratory organ for fish, whereas aquatic mammals utilize lungs.