Phylum Chordata MCQs January 8, 2026September 28, 2024 by u930973931_answers 30 min Score: 0 Attempted: 0/30 Subscribe 1. What is the defining characteristic of the phylum Chordata? (A) Presence of a notochord (B) Radial symmetry (C) Exoskeleton (D) Jointed appendages 2. Which of the following is NOT a subphylum of Chordata? (A) Arthropoda (B) Urochordata (C) Cephalochordata (D) Vertebrata 3. Which structure in vertebrates develops into the spinal column? (A) Pharyngeal slits (B) Endostyle (C) Dorsal nerve cord (D) Notochord 4. Which subphylum includes animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals? (A) Vertebrata (B) Cephalochordata (C) Urochordata (D) Hemichordata 5. In chordates, the dorsal nerve cord is located: (A) Dorsal to the notochord (B) Ventral to the notochord (C) Lateral to the notochord (D) Embedded within the notochord 6. Which of the following features is characteristic of the subphylum Urochordata? (A) A bony skeleton (B) A segmented body (C) A tunic (D) Jaws 7. The heart of most chordates is located: (A) Ventral to the notochord (B) Anterior to the liver (C) Posterior to the head (D) Dorsal to the gut 8. Which of the following is a characteristic of all chordates at some stage in their life cycle? (A) Fur or feathers (B) Lungs (C) Pharyngeal slits (D) Vertebrae 9. Which class of vertebrates is characterized by having moist skin and undergoing metamorphosis? (A) Reptilia (B) Mammalia (C) Aves (D) Amphibia 10. In which group of chordates are the notochord and dorsal nerve cord retained throughout life? (A) Urochordata (B) Vertebrata (C) Cephalochordata (D) All of the above 11. Which of the following is a characteristic of mammals? (A) They lay eggs exclusively (B) They have feathers (C) They produce milk (D) They breathe through gills 12. What is the primary function of the pharyngeal slits in aquatic chordates? (A) Support for the body (B) Respiration (C) Locomotion (D) Digestion 13. Which of the following vertebrates is ectothermic? (A) Fish (B) Birds (C) Mammals (D) Reptiles 14. The largest group of vertebrates, which includes species with feathers and the ability to fly, is: (A) Mammals (B) Reptiles (C) Amphibians (D) Aves 15. Which of the following classes of Chordata primarily lives in water and has scales? (A) Amphibia (B) Osteichthyes (C) Reptilia (D) Aves 16. What type of skeleton do most vertebrates possess? (A) Endoskeleton (B) Exoskeleton (C) Hydrostatic skeleton (D) Cartilaginous skeleton 17. In mammals, what is the role of hair? (A) Locomotion (B) Communication (C) Digestion (D) Insulation and protection 18. What adaptation allows birds to be lightweight and capable of flight? (A) A complex digestive system (B) Solid bones (C) A heavy skull (D) Hollow bones 19. Which of the following structures develops into the inner ear in vertebrates? (A) Notochord (B) Lateral line system (C) Pharyngeal pouches (D) Neural tube 20. What is the primary function of the swim bladder in bony fish? (A) Digestion (B) Respiration (C) Reproduction (D) Buoyancy control 21. Which class of vertebrates is characterized by the presence of scales and lays eggs on land? (A) Amphibia (B) Reptilia (C) Aves (D) Chondrichthyes 22. Which group of chordates is known for having a notochord that develops into a vertebral column? (A) Urochordata (B) Cephalochordata (C) All of the above (D) Vertebrata 23. Which of the following is a characteristic of cartilaginous fish? (A) Bony skeleton (B) Swim bladder (C) Lungs (D) Gills 24. What is the primary role of the endostyle in chordates? (A) Digest food (B) Aid in respiration (C) Filter water (D) Produce mucus 25. What adaptation allows reptiles to reproduce on land? (A) Amniotic egg (B) Gills (C) Moist skin (D) Hair 26. Which of the following adaptations do mammals have for regulating body temperature? (A) Ectothermy (B) Scales (C) Hair or fur (D) Feathers 27. Which group of vertebrates is characterized by a three-chambered heart? (A) Amphibians (B) Fish (C) Reptiles (D) Birds 28. Which of the following is a key feature of the subphylum Cephalochordata? (A) Presence of a jaw (B) Presence of a tunic (C) Lancelet shape (D) Highly developed eyes 29. Which class of chordates is known for their ability to fly and for having feathers? (A) Reptilia (B) Mammalia (C) Aves (D) Amphibia 30. What type of reproduction is common in most vertebrates? (A) Sexual reproduction (B) Asexual reproduction (C) Budding (D) Fragmentation