Suppose, while out camping in a forest, you found a chordate with a long, slender, limbless body slithering across the ground near your tent. To which of the following lineages could it belong?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distinctive feature described in the question is a long, slender, limbless body. This suggests a possible snake-like appearance, and snakes are known to be reptiles. However, the question prompts the reader to consider a chordate, which means that the animal must have a notochord at some point in its life cycle. This rules out most reptiles, as they do not have a notochord. The only lineage listed that meets this criteria is Amphibia, as they have a notochord during embryonic development. Additionally, some species of amphibians, such as caecilians, have long, limbless bodies resembling snakes. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Suppose, While Out Camping in a Forest, You Found a Chordate