[Campbell Biology P.773] Based on the text and Figure 34.11, which characteristic is TRUE re... | Practice Question
Based on the text and Figure 34.11, which characteristic is TRUE regarding conodonts?
A: Conodonts were jawed vertebrates that primarily used their teeth for filter feeding.
B: Their earliest fossils date back to approximately 530 million years ago, predating the Cambrian explosion.
C: Conodonts had mineralized mouthparts, which they likely used for predation or scavenging, and possessed large eyes.
D: Figure 34.11 shows that conodonts had a well-developed skull and vertebrae, indicating their advanced vertebrate status.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that 'Conodonts were early jawless vertebrates... Unlike hagfishes and lampreys, conodonts had mineralized mouthparts, which they used for either predation or scavenging.' It also mentions 'Conodonts had large eyes, which they may have used in locating prey'. This matches option C.