The character that differentiates chordate from non-chordate is

Options

A. triploblastic body organization
B. heterotrophic mode of nutrition
C. dorsal tubular nerve cord
D. sexual reproduction

Answer

To determine the character that differentiates chordates from non-chordates, we can analyze the options provided in the question step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Definitions
- **Chordates**: Organisms that belong to the phylum Chordata, which possess certain features at some stage of their life cycle.
- **Non-Chordates**: Organisms that do not belong to the phylum Chordata and lack the defining characteristics of chordates.

### Step 2: Identify the Key Features of Chordates
Chordates are characterized by four main features at some point in their development:
1. Presence of a notochord
2. Dorsal hollow nerve cord
3. Pharyngeal gill slits
4. Post-anal tail

### Step 3: Analyze the Options
1. **Triploblastic Body Organization**:
- This is not a distinguishing feature because many non-chordates (like flatworms) also exhibit triploblastic organization.

2. **Heterotrophic Mode of Nutrition**:
- This is also not a distinguishing feature, as all animals (including non-chordates) are heterotrophic.

3. **Dorsal Hollow Nerve Cord**:
- This is a defining feature of chordates. Non-chordates typically do not have a dorsal hollow nerve cord; instead, they may have a solid nerve cord or no nerve cord at all.

4. **Sexual Reproduction**:
- This is not exclusive to chordates, as many non-chordates also reproduce sexually.

### Step 4: Conclusion
The character that differentiates chordates from non-chordates is the **dorsal hollow nerve cord**. This feature is unique to chordates and is not found in non-chordates.

### Final Answer
The character that differentiates chordates from non-chordates is the **dorsal hollow nerve cord**.

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