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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is not a characteristic of all chordates?
A
Dorsal hollow nerve cord
B
Post-anal tail
C
Presence of a notochord
D
Exoskeleton
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the defining characteristics of chordates. Chordates are a phylum of animals that share certain key features during at least some stage of their development.
Identify the three main characteristics of chordates: a dorsal hollow nerve cord, a post-anal tail, and the presence of a notochord. These are essential features that all chordates possess at some point in their life cycle.
Consider the term 'exoskeleton.' An exoskeleton is an external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body, commonly found in arthropods like insects and crustaceans, not in chordates.
Compare the characteristics listed in the problem with the known features of chordates. The dorsal hollow nerve cord, post-anal tail, and notochord are all intrinsic to chordates, whereas an exoskeleton is not.
Conclude that the characteristic 'exoskeleton' is not a feature of chordates, as chordates typically have an endoskeleton or no skeleton at all, depending on the species.