NEETBotanyAnimal Kingdom
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Cyclostomes are placed in the subphylum Vertebrata despite lacking jaws and paired appendages. Reason (R): The cranium and vertebral column in cyclostomes are bony in nature. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
- D(A) is incorrect but (R) is correct
Correct answer
C. (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect
Step-by-step solution
Assertion (A) is correct. Cyclostomes belong to the division Agnatha (jawless) under the subphylum Vertebrata. They are characterized by the absence of jaws and paired appendages (fins). Reason (R) is incorrect. In cyclostomes, the cranium and vertebral column are cartilaginous, not bony. The presence of a vertebral column (even if cartilaginous) justifies their placement in Vertebrata. Answer: (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect