Question

The following are the statements about non- chordates:
A. Pharynx is perforated by gill slits.
B. Notochord is absent.
C. Central nervous system is dorsal. 
D. Heart is dorsal if present.
E. Post anal tail is absent.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. A & C only
• B. A. B & D only
• C. B. D & E only
• D. B, C & D only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The task is to identify characteristics of non-chordates from the provided statements. Analysis of each statement follows:

A. Pharynx is perforated by gill slits: This is a chordate characteristic, not a non-chordate one.

B. Notochord is absent: Non-chordates are defined by the absence of a notochord.

C. Central nervous system is dorsal: This is a chordate feature; non-chordates have a ventral nervous system.

D. Heart is dorsal if present: If non-chordates possess a heart, it is typically ventral, not dorsal.

E. Post anal tail is absent: The majority of non-chordates lack a post-anal tail.

Based on this analysis, statements B (Notochord is absent) and E (Post anal tail is absent) accurately describe non-chordate characteristics. Therefore, the correct option is: B. D & E only