Question Detail
Question
Consider the following anatomical structures: 1. Single dorsal tubular nerve cord 2. Notochord 3. Gill slits in pharynx 4. Brain The outstanding characteristics which distinguish chordates from other animals are
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The four defining characteristics of chordates are: a notochord (2), a single dorsal hollow nerve cord (1), pharyngeal gill slits (3), and a post-anal tail. A brain (4) is a feature of vertebrates and some other chordates but is not a defining characteristic of the phylum Chordata. Therefore, the outstanding characteristics that distinguish chordates are 1, 2, and 3.
Hint
Recall the four key features present at some stage in the life cycle of all chordates.