Final answer:
Specialized tissues in animals support function and complexity through efficient division of labor, allowing specialization in functions such as gas exchange, support, and movement, which are essential for homeostasis and environmental interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specialized tissues are crucial for the function and complexity of animals as they allow for the efficient organization and division of labor within the organism. These tissues enable a range of critical activities, such as efficient gas exchange, water absorption, the provision of structural support, and control of body functions, enhancing the animal's ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. As multicellular entities, complexity in animals arises from this cellular specialization, leading to the formation of intricate systems such as circulatory, respiratory, and neural networks, all critical for maintaining homeostasis and responding to environmental challenges.
For instance, muscle tissue allows for complex movements and is supported by the skeleton, contributing to an animal's ability to interact with its environment. Similarly, the development of nervous and muscle tissues has been seminal in animals' capability to rapidly sense and respond to changes in their surroundings, securing their survival. Aspects such as the surface area-to-volume ratio also play a role in how these tissues and organ systems work, affecting everything from muscle power to thermoregulation.