Answer: The correct answer is:
C: the balsam plant makes seeds in pods, while the toad absorbs the eggs into its own back.
The adaptations of the Himalayan balsam plant and the Surinam toad differ in terms of their reproductive strategies to protect their offspring.
The Himalayan balsam plant produces seeds that are enclosed within pods. This adaptation allows the plant to protect its seeds from environmental factors such as wind, water, and predators. The pods serve as a protective covering, preventing premature seed dispersal and increasing the chances of successful germination and survival of the plant's offspring.
On the other hand, the Surinam toad has a unique reproductive strategy. The female toad carries fertilized eggs on her back, where they embed themselves in specialized pockets of skin. The skin then grows over the eggs, forming a protective layer. This adaptation helps shield the eggs from predators and provides a safe environment for their development. Eventually, fully-formed toadlets emerge from the mother's back, bypassing the vulnerable tadpole stage.
Therefore, the adaptations of the Himalayan balsam plant and the Surinam toad differ in terms of seed production in pods for the plant and egg absorption into the toad's back for the toad, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation: