Statement I: Cephalochordates retain their notochord throughout life. Statement II: They exhibit a dorsal tubular nerve cord and…

Zoology & Animal Kingdom ·Previously asked in JKSSB Veterinary Pharmacist 2025

View the full solved paper: JKSSB Veterinary Pharmacist – 2 March 2025

Question

Statement I: Cephalochordates retain their notochord throughout life.

Statement II: They exhibit a dorsal tubular nerve cord and pharyngeal slits.

  1. A. Statement I is correct; Statement II is correct (Correct answer)
  2. B. Statement I is incorrect; Statement II is incorrect
  3. C. Statement I is correct; Statement II is incorrect
  4. D. Statement I is incorrect; Statement II is correct

Correct Answer

Option A — Statement I is correct; Statement II is correct

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Statement I is correct; Statement II is correct.

Key Points

  • Both statements are correct about cephalochordates (e.g., Amphioxus/Branchiostoma).
  • They retain the notochord throughout life and possess all three chordate characteristics: notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits.

Topics covered: Cephalochordata Chordata