Concept explainers
Which of the following is not a defining characteristic of vertebrates?
- a. cranium
- b. hinged jaw
- c. vertebral column
- d. endoskeleton
Introduction: The vertebrates comprise of animals that have vertebral column in their body. The dorsal solid notochord changes into vertebral column where the vertebrae are the small bones connected together by the inter-vertebral disks. The vertebrae enable animals to travel large distances, and provides both strength and flexibility.
Answer to Problem 1TY
Correct answer: Hinged jaw is not a defining characteristic of the vertebrates. Hence, the correct answer is option b.
Explanation of Solution
Reason for correct answer:
The defining characteristic of any group should be present in most of the members of that group and the group can be identified on the basis of that character. The hinged jaw is the characteristic of coelacanths where hinged jaw helps to open their mouth wide open. This feature is not present in most of the vertebrates, hence it is not a defining characteristic of the vertebrates.
Option b is given as “hinged jaw”.
The presence of hinged jaw is not a defining characterstic of the vertebrates. Hence, the correct answer is option b.
Reasons for incorrect answer:
Option a. is given as, “cranium”.
The cranium is the cage like structure which enclose brain inside it. It is present in most of the vertebrate species, therefore cranium is also one of the defining characteristics of vertebrates. Hence, option a. is incorrect.
Option c. is given as, “vertebral column”.
The group has been named due to the presence of the vertebral column. It is also one of the basis of the classification in this group, therefore vertebral column is the one of the defining characteristic of vertebrates. Hence, option c. is incorrect.
Option d is given as, “endoskeleton”.
The endoskeleton is present in all the species of vertebrates and it is unique to vertebrate. It is a defining characteristic of vertebrates. Hence, option d. is incorrect.
Hence, the options a., c., and d are incorrect.
The defining characteristic of the vertebrates does not comprise of hinged jaws.
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Chapter 35 Solutions
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