[Campbell Biology P.773] Which of the following statements accurately compares Haikouella, M... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately compares Haikouella, Myllokunmingia, and Conodonts based on the provided text?

  • A: Haikouella was the first chordate to possess a head, while Myllokunmingia lacked vertebrae.
  • B: Conodonts were early jawless vertebrates with internal skeletons composed of cartilage and mineralized mouthparts.
  • C: Both Haikouella and Myllokunmingia were classified as true vertebrates because they both possessed skulls.
  • D: Myllokunmingia, despite having a head, possessed a skull made of cartilage and lacked eyes.

Explanation

The text states that Haikouella lacked a skull and ear organs, and Myllokunmingia is considered the first chordate with a head due to its ear and eye capsules, but it lacked vertebrae, so it's not a true vertebrate. Conodonts are described as early jawless vertebrates that had mineralized mouthparts for predation or scavenging and an internal skeleton of cartilage.