Read the following statements regarding the members of Phylum Chordata: A. They possess a solid and double central nervous system. B. They have a ventral heart. C. Pharynx is perforated by gill slits. D. They possess a post-anal tail. E. Notochord is absent during the embryonic stage. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Members of Phylum Chordata are characterized by the presence of a notochord, a dorsal hollow single nerve cord, and paired pharyngeal gill slits. Statement A is incorrect because chordates possess a hollow, single, and dorsal central nervous system, whereas non-chordates have a solid, double, and ventral central nervous system. Statement B is correct as chordates have a ventrally located heart. Statement C is correct because the pharynx is perforated by gill slits in chordates. Statement D is correct as a post-anal