Vertebrates do not possess

Options

A. Dorsal heart
B. Ventral heart
C. Vertebral column
D. Coelom

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Vertebrates**: Vertebrates are a subphylum within the phylum Chordata. They are characterized by the presence of a vertebral column, which can be either bony or cartilaginous.

2. **Classification of Vertebrates**: Vertebrates are divided into two main groups:
- **Agnatha**: These are jawless vertebrates, such as lampreys and hagfish.
- **Gnathostomata**: These vertebrates possess jaws, which include bony fishes (Osteichthyes) and cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes).

3. **Heart Structure in Vertebrates**:
- Vertebrates generally have a heart that is located ventrally (on the underside of the body).
- The presence of a dorsal heart is not a characteristic of vertebrates.

4. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: The question asks what vertebrates do not possess. Given the options, the correct answer is that vertebrates do not possess a dorsal heart.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the answer to the question "Vertebrates do not possess" is a dorsal heart.

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