Question

Which among these is a vertebrate
A. Cockroach
B. Earthworm
C. Hen
D. Sponge

Answer 1

Hint: Vertebrates are animals which possess a vertebral column and/ or notochord at some point in their life. On the other hand, invertebrates are those animals which do not possess vertebral columns and/ or notochord at any point of their life.

Complete Answer:
The characteristics of vertebrates are,
- They have a month at the anterior position.
- Their alimentary canal ends in the anus.
- A stiff rod is found along the length of the animal and this could either vertebral column and/or notochord.
- A bundle of nerves is seen above the vertebral column.

Option A: Cockroaches are an example of insects and insects are generally described as spineless as they do not have a backbone and internal skeleton. Also, cockroaches belong to the phylum Arthropoda and all members of arthropods do not have a spine, thus are called invertebrates.

Option B: Earthworms belong to the phylum Annelida and they lack a true skeleton. Earthworm instead has a fluid-filled coelom which helps in maintaining the structure and also functions as a hydrostatic skeleton.

Option C: Hens are considered as vertebrate as they have a backbone. They have a fully developed vertebral column and also have a proper skeletal structure.

Option D: Sponges belong to the phylum Porifera and these are the most poorly developed organisms in the Animalia kingdom. They do not have a backbone, and thus are considered as invertebrates.

Thus, the correct option is C) Hen.

Note: Vertebrates can be further be divided into 5 classes depending on their physiological and anatomical features,
1. Mammals - Includes humans, platypus, etc.
2. Aves - It includes birds.
3. Reptilia - It includes reptiles like crocodiles, snakes, etc.
4. Amphibia - It includes amphibians like frogs, salamanders, etc.