NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Read the following statements regarding the fate of the notochord in different groups of animals and select the incorrect statement.
Options
- AIn Urochordata, the notochord is present only in the larval tail.
- BIn Cephalochordata, the notochord extends from head to tail region and is persistent throughout life.
- CIn Vertebrata, the notochord is replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in the adult.
- DAll members of the phylum Chordata possess a vertebral column during their adult stage.
Correct answer
D. All members of the phylum Chordata possess a vertebral column during their adult stage.
Step-by-step solution
The phylum Chordata is divided into three subphyla: Urochordata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata. In Urochordata, the notochord is present only in the larval tail. In Cephalochordata, it extends from head to tail region and is persistent throughout their life. In Vertebrata, the notochord is present during the embryonic period and is replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in the adult. Therefore, not all members of the phylum Chordata possess a vertebral column. Only members of the subphylum Vertebrat