Question

Vertebrates are characterized by

(i) Presence of true coelom

(ii) Presence of notochord

(iii) A ventrally placed heart

(iv) The pharyngeal gill slits at some stage in life cycle

(v) RBC

• A. (i) and (ii) are correct.
• B. (ii) and (iv) are correct.
• C. (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above.

General characteristics of vertebrates include:

• The notochord is present in all chordates during initial stages of development, it is formed on the dorsal side of the primitive gut in the early embryo stage.
• Vertebrates have well-developed true coelom or body cavity lined with epithelium.
• Have a muscular heart, which is 2-3 or 4-chambered and is centrally placed.
• The mouth cavity and the esophagus are connected by the pharyngeal gill slits to a muscular tube pharynx, which opens to the exterior.
• RBCs or red blood cells or erythrocytes are the cellular components of the blood.
  

Thus, the correct answer is option D.