Question

Gill slits persist throughout the life in

• A. Hemichordata
• B. Cephalochordata
• C. Urochordata
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Cephalochordata

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The members of phylum Chordata possess a notochord, a pair of pharyngeal gill slits.
2. Chordata phylum has subphyla: Urochordata, Cephalochordata and Vertebrata.
3. Cephalochordata is mostly marine animals.
4. So, they persist with the gill slits throughout their life.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Hemichordata is worm-like marine animals.
2. The body has an anterior proboscis, a collar, and a long trunk.
3. Gills have a respiratory function.

Option C:

Urochordata is one of the subphyla of Chordata. The notochord is located only in the larval tail.

Option D:

Gill slits do not persist throughout life in Urochordata and Hemichordata.

Final answer: Gill slits persist throughout the life in Cephalochordata.