[Campbell Biology P.772] According to the text, which statement accurately reflects the curr... | Practice Question

According to the text, which statement accurately reflects the current understanding of vertebral presence in hagfishes and lampreys?

  • A: Both hagfishes and lampreys completely lack any form of vertebrae.
  • B: Lampreys possess rudimentary vertebrae, while hagfishes completely lack them.
  • C: Both hagfishes and lampreys are now understood to possess rudimentary vertebrae.
  • D: Only hagfishes possess rudimentary vertebrae, and lampreys have a full backbone.

Explanation

The text states: 'Even so, lampreys are classified as vertebrates because they have rudimentary vertebrae... The hagfishes, in contrast, once were thought to lack vertebrae altogether... In the past few years, however, this interpretation has changed. Recent research has shown that hagfishes, like lampreys, have rudimentary vertebrae.' This clearly indicates that both are now understood to possess rudimentary vertebrae.