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Multiple Choice
Which trait is shared by all vertebrates except cyclostomes at some point in their development?
A
Notochord
B
Post-anal tail
C
Jaws
D
Pharyngeal slits
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the key characteristics of vertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone or spinal column, and they belong to the phylum Chordata.
Recognize that cyclostomes, which include jawless fish like lampreys and hagfish, are vertebrates but lack certain features found in other vertebrates.
Identify the common traits shared by vertebrates during their development: notochord, post-anal tail, and pharyngeal slits. These are typical features of chordates.
Understand that jaws are a trait that develops in most vertebrates except cyclostomes. Cyclostomes are unique among vertebrates because they do not develop jaws at any point in their life cycle.
Conclude that the trait shared by all vertebrates except cyclostomes at some point in their development is the presence of jaws, which cyclostomes lack.