Vertebrates have
(a) ventral muscular heart
(b) bony / cartilaginous vertebral column
(c) radula for feeding
(d) paired appendages

Options

A. a, b
B. c, d
C. d
D. a, b, d

Answer

To solve the question regarding the characteristics of vertebrates, let's analyze each option step by step:

1. **Ventral Muscular Heart**:
- Vertebrates possess a ventral muscular heart that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. This is a defining feature of vertebrates as it indicates a more complex circulatory system compared to invertebrates.
- **Hint**: Think about the circulatory system in vertebrates and how it differs from invertebrates.

2. **Bony/Cartilaginous Vertebral Column**:
- Vertebrates have a backbone or vertebral column, which can be made of bone (in bony fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals) or cartilage (in cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays). This structure is crucial for providing support and protecting the spinal cord.
- **Hint**: Consider the structural support that vertebrates need and how their backbone plays a role in that.

3. **Radula for Feeding**:
- The radula is a feeding structure found in mollusks, not vertebrates. It is a tongue-like organ with tiny teeth used to scrape food. Therefore, this characteristic does not apply to vertebrates.
- **Hint**: Recall the feeding mechanisms of different animal groups and identify which group has a radula.

4. **Paired Appendages**:
- Vertebrates typically have paired appendages, such as limbs (arms and legs) or fins. This feature allows for more complex movement and interaction with their environment.
- **Hint**: Think about how vertebrates move and the significance of having paired limbs or fins.

Now, let's summarize the findings:
- Options (a), (b), and (d) are characteristics of vertebrates.
- Option (c) is not a characteristic of vertebrates as it pertains to mollusks.

Thus, the correct answer is **(ABD)**, as it includes the characteristics that are true for vertebrates.

**Final Answer**: ABD