Predict what might happen if the respiratory membrane were instead composed of two layers of stratified squamous epithelium

The prediction is: if the simple squamous epithelium in lungs is replaced by stratified epithelium, The respiratory membrane will not be permeable to the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The simple squamous epithelium covers the surfaces ensuring the passive transport (diffusion) of either gas (as in the lungs) or liquids (as in the walls of the blood capillaries).

Simple squamous epithelia also form the delicate lining of the pleural, pericardial and peritoneal cavities where it allows the passage of tissue fluid into and out of these cavities. Although these cells appear to be simple in shape, they have important and varied roles.

The stratified epithelium is not involved in significant uptake, in permeability of molecules, or in secretory activity, but merely provides a more robust coating than would be offered by a single epithelium.

they may bind directly to special “promoter” regions of dna, which lie upstream of the coding region in a gene, or directly to the rna polymerase molecule.

as the gila monster consumes the eggs or young of the desert cottontail and gambel's quail, thus its main food supply is only accessible for a restricted time duration every year. however, for this, the gila monsters exhibit three adaptations, which elevate their survival rate in the desert condition.  

first, is that they possess huge bodies, and can consume greater concentrations of food during a small period. secondly, they require to feed infrequently as they can accumulate fat in their tails. ultimately, their rate of metabolism is very low, so that they can burn their reservoirs of fat gradually.