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Multiple Choice
Vertebrates are a subphylum of which phylum?
A
Chordata
B
Mollusca
C
Echinodermata
D
Arthropoda
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking which phylum vertebrates belong to. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone or spinal column.
Recall the classification hierarchy in biology: Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species. Vertebrates are classified under a specific phylum.
Review the defining characteristics of the phylum Chordata: Members of this phylum possess a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some stage of their development. Vertebrates fall under this category.
Eliminate the other options: Mollusca includes soft-bodied animals like snails and clams, Echinodermata includes marine animals like starfish, and Arthropoda includes animals with exoskeletons like insects and crustaceans. None of these phyla include vertebrates.
Conclude that vertebrates are a subphylum of Chordata, as they share the defining characteristics of this phylum.