Question

A common characteristic of all vertebrates without exception is

• A. The division of body into head, neck, trunk and tail
• B. Their body covered with an exoskeleton
• C. The possessive of two pairs of functional appendages
• D. The presence of well-developed skull

Answer 1

The correct option is D The presence of well-developed skull

Vertebrates belong to the subphylum Vertebrata of the Phylum Chordata. AII vertebrates share a common diagnostic character, the elaboration of anterior skeletal elements into a "cranium" or "skull' which houses various sense organs and a complex brain. The distinctive vertebrate cranium and brain evolved even before the vertebral column and are, therefore, more fundamental characteristic of vertebrates than the backbone. So, the correct answer is 'The presence of well-developed skull'.