NEET2026BotanyAnimal KingdomActual
Which of the following is not a characteristic of chordates ?
Options
- APresence of post anal part (tail)
- BPresence of notochord
- CCentral nervous system is dorsal
- DAbsence of gills
Correct answer
D. Absence of gills
Step-by-step solution
The fundamental characteristics of chordates include the presence of a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, paired pharyngeal gill slits, and a post-anal tail. The presence of pharyngeal gill slits is a defining feature of chordates at some stage of their life cycle. Therefore, the absence of gills is not a characteristic of chordates. Answer: Absence of gills