In some chordates, the notochord is modified as the vertebral column. ...
Chordates are those animals that have rod-like notochord. Notochord is also present in vertebrates but in most adult vertebrates, the notochord is replaced by vertebral column, which is the peculiar feature of vertebrates. Thus, we can say that all vertebrates are chordates but as chordates are not vertebrates.
In some chordates, the notochord is modified as the vertebral column. ...
Answer:
The correct answer is option 'C': All vertebrates are chordates, but not all chordates are vertebrates.
Explanation:
To understand why option 'C' is the correct answer, let's break down the definitions of chordates and vertebrates and examine their relationship.
Chordates:
- Chordates are a phylum of animals that belong to the animal kingdom.
- They are characterized by certain key features, including a notochord (a flexible rod-like structure) at some point during their development.
- The notochord is usually present in the early embryonic stages and may or may not persist into adulthood.
- Chordates also possess other characteristics like a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.
Vertebrates:
- Vertebrates are a subphylum of chordates that have a backbone or vertebral column.
- They possess a notochord during their embryonic stage, but this notochord is subsequently replaced by the development of bones or cartilage forming the vertebral column.
- The vertebral column provides support and protection to the spinal cord in vertebrates.
- Vertebrates include animals like fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Relationship between Chordates and Vertebrates:
- All vertebrates are chordates because they possess the defining characteristics of chordates, including the presence of a notochord during their embryonic stage.
- However, not all chordates are vertebrates. Some chordates, like tunicates and lancelets, possess a notochord throughout their entire life but do not develop a vertebral column.
- These non-vertebrate chordates retain the notochord as their primary supportive structure.
Therefore, option 'C' makes sense because it correctly states that all vertebrates are chordates, but not all chordates are vertebrates.
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