Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): All chordates are vertebrates but all vertebrates are not chordates. Reason (R): In vertebrates, the notochord is replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in the adult, whereas protochordates lack a vertebral column. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answ

Step-by-step solution

According to NCERT, all vertebrates are chordates but all chordates are not vertebrates. This is because all members of the subphylum Vertebrata possess a notochord during the embryonic period, which is later replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in the adult. Protochordates (Urochordata and Cephalochordata) are chordates but they lack a vertebral column. Therefore, the Assertion is false as it states the reverse relationship, while the Reason is a true statement. Answer: Assertion is false but Reaso