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Multiple Choice
Lancelets and hagfish are best classified as which of the following?
A
Prokaryotes
B
Cnidarians
C
Echinoderms
D
Chordates
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the classification of organisms: Lancelets and hagfish are animals, so they are not prokaryotes (which are single-celled organisms without a nucleus).
Recognize that cnidarians (e.g., jellyfish, corals) are a group of animals characterized by radial symmetry and specialized stinging cells, which do not describe lancelets or hagfish.
Identify that echinoderms (e.g., sea stars, sea urchins) are marine animals with radial symmetry and a water vascular system, which also do not describe lancelets or hagfish.
Recall that chordates are animals that, at some stage in their life cycle, possess a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. Both lancelets and hagfish exhibit these characteristics, classifying them as chordates.
Conclude that lancelets and hagfish are best classified as chordates based on their shared anatomical and developmental features.