Final answer:
The correct answer is option c, where the bones surrounding the heart and lungs protect these organs like an insect's exoskeleton does.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option c. The bones that surround and protect the heart and lungs perform a function similar to an insect's outer covering. Insects have an exoskeleton, which is a rigid outer covering that provides both support and protection. Similarly, in humans, bones like the ribs and sternum form a protective cage around vital organs such as the heart and lungs, ensuring they are shielded from damage. Just as the insect's exoskeleton protects its internal organs and supports its body structure, the human skeletal system provides support for the body against gravity and protects the soft organs of the body. This includes the protection offered by the skull for the brain, the rib cage for the heart and lungs, and the vertebral column for the spinal cord.
The bones that surround and protect the heart and lungs have a function similar to an insect's outer covering. Insects have an outer covering called an exoskeleton, which acts as a protective shell enclosing their internal organs. Similarly, the bones in the human body, such as the rib cage, skull, and vertebrae, surround and protect vital organs like the heart and lungs.