Asked by Claudia Almanza on Jul 07, 2024
Verified
Although adult tunicates are stuck to the ocean bottom, they are considered early relatives of vertebrates because
A) tunicate gill slits are like ribs.
B) tunicate adults have a notochord.
C) tunicate larvae have a notochord.
D) all vertebrate embryos go through a stage that resembles adult tunicates.
E) tunicate adults have all four chordate characteristics.
Tunicate Larvae
The larval stage of tunicates, marine invertebrates, characterized by a notochord and a dorsal nerve cord.
Notochord
Cartilage-like supportive dorsal rod in all chordates at some time in their life cycle; replaced by vertebrae in vertebrates.
Vertebrates
Animals characterized by having a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
- Understand the basic characteristics that define chordates and vertebrates.
- Recognize the evolutionary sequence and relationships among various groups of chordates and vertebrates.
Verified Answer
AM
AKeba MeansJul 10, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Tunicate larvae have a structure called a notochord, which is one of the defining characteristics of chordates. Adult tunicates do not have a notochord, but their larval form provides evidence of their evolutionary relationship to vertebrates.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the basic characteristics that define chordates and vertebrates.
- Recognize the evolutionary sequence and relationships among various groups of chordates and vertebrates.