Which term is not a class within the Phylum Chordata?

Prepare for the GMAS Biology Test with multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and innovative study techniques to excel. Boost your confidence and get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Which term is not a class within the Phylum Chordata?

Explanation:
Chordates are defined by features that appear at some life stage, such as a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. Within this phylum you’ll find many classes, including Amphibia, Osteichthyes, and Chondrichthyes, all of which share those key chordate characteristics. Echinoderm, however, belongs to a different phylum, Echinodermata, and its members have radial symmetry and a water vascular system rather than a true notochord or dorsal nerve cord. They are deuterostomes like chordates, but they are not chordates themselves. So the term not a class within Phylum Chordata is Echinoderm.

Chordates are defined by features that appear at some life stage, such as a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. Within this phylum you’ll find many classes, including Amphibia, Osteichthyes, and Chondrichthyes, all of which share those key chordate characteristics. Echinoderm, however, belongs to a different phylum, Echinodermata, and its members have radial symmetry and a water vascular system rather than a true notochord or dorsal nerve cord. They are deuterostomes like chordates, but they are not chordates themselves. So the term not a class within Phylum Chordata is Echinoderm.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy