Q149 / 180 · NEET 2026 (Re-NEET) · Zoology
Which of the following is not a characteristic of chordates ?
- APresence of post anal part (tail)
- BPresence of notochord
- CCentral nervous system is dorsal
- Correct answerDAbsence of gills
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
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
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.