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NEET 2022, Biology Q58: Classification of Chordates

NEET2022Biology
Q.

Given below are two statements : One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A) :

All vertebrates are chordates but all chordates are not vertebrates.

Reason (R) :

Notochord is replaced by vertebral column in the adult vertebrates.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

  1. A

    Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

  2. B

    Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

  3. C

    (A) is correct but (R) is not correct

  4. D

    (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Solution

Phylum Chordata is divided into three subphyla: Urochordata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata. Only members of Vertebrata possess a vertebral column in the adult. Members of the other two subphyla retain a notochord but do not develop a vertebral column.

So all vertebrates are chordates, but not all chordates are vertebrates. Assertion (A) is correct.

In adult vertebrates, the notochord present during embryonic development is replaced by a bony or cartilaginous vertebral column. Reason (R) is correct and directly explains why only vertebrates form this distinct subgroup within Chordata.

Concept behind this question

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