Which of the following is not one of the basic characteristics of chordates ?

Options

A. A dorsal supporting rod called a notochord
B. A tail
C. A dorsal tubular nerve cord
D. Pharyngeal pouches that develop into gills and lungs in humans

Explanation

To solve the question "Which of the following is not one of the basic characteristics of chordates?", we need to analyze each of the provided options based on the fundamental characteristics of chordates.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Basic Characteristics of Chordates**:
- Chordates are defined by four main characteristics:
- A notochord (a dorsal supporting rod)
- A dorsal tubular nerve cord
- Pharyngeal gill slits or pouches
- A post-anal tail

2. **Examine the Options**:
- **Option A**: A dorsal supporting rod called a notochord.
- This is a basic characteristic of chordates. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

- **Option B**: A tail.
- The presence of a tail is also a basic characteristic of chordates. Thus, this option is not the correct answer.

- **Option C**: A dorsal tubular nerve cord.
- This is another fundamental characteristic of chordates. Hence, this option is also not the correct answer.

- **Option D**: Pharyngeal pouches that develop into gills and lungs in humans.
- While chordates do have pharyngeal pouches or slits, in humans, these do not develop into gills and lungs. Instead, they develop into other structures like the thymus and middle ear cavity. Therefore, this statement is not true for chordates in general.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The option that is not one of the basic characteristics of chordates is **Option D**: Pharyngeal pouches that develop into gills and lungs in humans.

### Final Answer:
**Option D**: Pharyngeal pouches that develop into gills and lungs in humans.

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