Notochord and Vertebral Column — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2022The members of subphylum Vertebrata possess notochord during the embryonic period. The notochord is replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in the adult. Thus all vertebrates are chordates but all chordates are not vertebrates. Besides the basic chordate characters, vertebrates have a ventral muscular heart with two, three or four chambers, kidneys for excretion and osmoregulation and paired appendages which may be fins or limbs.
NTA tests whether students understand that vertebrates possess a notochord only during embryonic development, which is later replaced by a vertebral column (backbone) in adults. This is a key distinguishing feature of vertebrates within chordates. The common mistake is assuming all chordates have a notochord throughout life, or confusing the notochord with the vertebral column. Remember: notochord is temporary (embryonic), vertebral column is permanent (adult). Also critical for NEET: all vertebrates are chordates, but NOT all chordates are vertebrates—non-vertebrate chordates like amphioxus retain their notochord throughout life. This concept tests understanding of chordate evolution and vertebrate classification.
Assertion (A): All vertebrates are chordates but all chordates are not vertebrates. Reason (R): Notochord is replaced by vertebral column in adult vertebrates. Choose the correct option: NEET Year: NEET 2022
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