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Multiple Choice
What characteristic do all organisms in the phylum Chordata share?
A
Radial symmetry
B
Three-chambered heart
C
Exoskeleton made of chitin
D
Presence of a notochord
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the phylum Chordata is a major group within the animal kingdom that includes vertebrates and some closely related invertebrates.
Recognize that a defining characteristic of all chordates is the presence of a notochord, which is a flexible, rod-shaped body found in the embryonic stage of all chordates and in some adult chordates.
Differentiate between the characteristics listed: radial symmetry, a three-chambered heart, and an exoskeleton made of chitin, none of which are universal to all chordates.
Note that radial symmetry is a characteristic of organisms like cnidarians and echinoderms, not chordates, which typically exhibit bilateral symmetry.
Remember that while some chordates may have a three-chambered heart or an exoskeleton, these are not defining features of the entire phylum. The notochord is the key characteristic shared by all members of Chordata.