Question

Chordates differ from non-chordates in having
A.Notochord
B.Dorsal hollow nerve cord
C.Pharyngeal gill slits
D.All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Chordates are animals of the phylum Chordata. This phylum is defined by several anatomical features that are present at some stages of animals' life. One of the most fundamental forms of classification of animals is the presence or absence of notochord. There are 2 major groups of phylum Chordata known as chordates and non-chordates.

Complete answer:
In this specific question, we should know that chordates are animals that belong to the phylum Chordata. This phylum is defined by four major anatomical features that are the notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. Chordates possess these features which are discussed below.
Post-anal tail - It is an extension of the body past the anal opening.
Pharyngeal slits - this is a series of openings. It connects the throat from inside and the outside of the "neck". These slits are often used as gills in many situations.
Dorsal nerve cord - these are a bundle of nerve fibers and it runs down the "back". It is a connection of the brain with the lateral muscles and other organs.
Notochord –it is a cartilaginous rod that runs underneath, and it is supported by the nerve cord.
A flexible rod i.e. made up of a material that is very similar to that of cartilage. Any animal who has notochord is regarded as Chordata.

Non Chordates are animals without notochord. This group consists of a small group of worm-like marine species with an organ system as the level of organization. Some of the examples of non-chordates are members of phylum Porifera, Coelenterata, Ctenophora, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and hemichordata.

Thus we can conclude that non-chordates do not possess a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, and pharyngeal gill slits.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: Chordates are animals that belong to the phylum Chordata. This phylum is defined by four major anatomical features that are the notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. Chordates possess these features at some period of their lives.