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.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 35 Solutions
BIOLOGY-TEXT
- Which of the following statements about bilaterian animals is false? A. Many bilaterians are invertebrates but some are not. B. All bilaterians are triploblastic (have three germ layers). C. All bilaterians have bilateral symmetry. D. Most bilaterians have tissues but some do not.arrow_forwardWhich of these is not characteristic of all vertebrates?a. complete digestive systemb. closed circulatory systemc. skin with either scales or feathersd. endoskeleton made of bone or cartilagee. vertebral columnarrow_forwardWhich of the following is not true about human and ape skeletons?a. Humans have a long, narrow pelvis.b. A human’s spinal cord exits from the bottom of the skull.c. An ape’s arms are longer than its legs.d. An ape’s spinal column is slightly curvedarrow_forward
- Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the exoskeleton of an arthropod? A. Always laden with calcium salts. B. Chitinized with an outer layer of cuticle. C. The plates are connected with an articular membrane. D. Composed of the tergum, sternum and pleura plates.arrow_forwardWhich of the following is not a feature common to most animals? a. development into a fixed body plan b. asexual reproduction c. specialized tissues d. heterotrophic nutrient sourcingarrow_forwardIt is thought that jaws, which are found in the higher vertebrates, evolved from: a. progressive hardening of the cyclostome mouth. b. cartilaginous arches used to support gills. c. small bones associated with the brain capsule. d. the bony teeth found on lamprey tongues.arrow_forward
- Which of the following does not occur? a. radially symmetrical diploblast b. diploblastic eucoelomate c. protostomic coelomate d. bilaterally symmetrical deuterostomearrow_forwardDescribe the following general characteristics can be used to distinguish among Animal phyla: a. Embryonic germ layers b. Digestive system c. Presence/absence of body cavity (coelom) d. Skeletal supportarrow_forwardOf the following anatomical structures, which is homologous to the wing of a bat?a. the dorsal fin of a shark b. the tail of a kangaroo c. the wing of a butterfly d. the arm of a humanarrow_forward
- In vertebrates, what anatomical structure partially or completely replaces the notochord? 1.) lateral-line system 2.) cartilage or a bony skeleton 3.) endostyle 4.) dorsal hallow nerve cordarrow_forwardA characteristic unique to most species of mammals and no other vertebrates isa. endothermy.b. skin covering for insulation and protection from dehydration.c. hair.d. a notochordarrow_forwardwhich of the following is true of asteroids?arrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College