Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): In non-chordates, if a heart is present, it is located dorsally. Reason (R): Non-chordates possess a central nervous system that is ventral, solid, and double. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is a true statement. According to the fundamental features of animal phyla, non-chordates have a dorsal heart (if present), unlike chordates which have a ventral heart. Reason (R) is also a true statement. The central nervous system in non-chordates is characteristically ventral, solid, and double, whereas in chordates it is dorsal, hollow, and single. However, Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A). The position of the heart and the position of the central nervous system are indep