NEET Biology: Classification of animals (nonchordate to chordate) Practice Questions
15 free multiple-choice questions on Classification of animals (nonchordate to chordate) (Diversity in Living World) for NEET Biology, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. Which group of animals, such as Arthropoda, is primarily characterized by a rigid, chitinous exoskeleton?
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Correct answer: C — Arthropoda
Arthropods are defined by the presence of a segmented body, jointed appendages, and a hard external skeleton (exoskeleton) made of chitin.
Q2. The simplest level of organization among the animals is observed in which phylum?
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Correct answer: D — Porifera
Porifera (sponges) represent the simplest level of organization in the animal kingdom, lacking true tissues and organs.
Q3. The characteristic feature that defines the Phylum Arthropoda is the presence of a chitinous exoskeleton. What is the primary function of this exoskeleton?
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Correct answer: A — External support and protection
The chitinous exoskeleton provides external support, protection, and a rigid framework for the body of arthropods.
Q4. Which of the following characteristics is unique to the phylum Arthropoda?
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Correct answer: D — Jointed appendages and exoskeleton
Arthropods are uniquely defined by their segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and a rigid exoskeleton.
Q5. Which phylum among the following is characterized by the presence of water canals and a water vascular system?
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Correct answer: C — Echinodermata
Echinodermata (e.g., starfish) possess a unique water vascular system used for locomotion and feeding.
Q6. Which of the following groups of animals are characterized by having only two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm) and lack a true coelom?
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Correct answer: D — Platyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes (flatworms) belong to the phylum which are diploblastic, meaning they possess only two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm) and do not possess a true coelom, unlike the triploblastic coelomates.
Q7. Which feature is a defining characteristic of the Phylum Chordata in animals?
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Correct answer: D — Presence of a notochord
The defining characteristic of Chordata is the presence of a notochord (a rod-like structure providing skeletal support) present at some stage of the animal's development. Other chordates possess a dorsal hollow nerve cord and pharyngeal gill slits.
Q8. Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) belong to which major group based on the presence of body cavity?
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Correct answer: C — Acoelomates
Platyhelminthes are acoelomates, meaning they lack a true body cavity between the digestive tract and the body wall.
Q9. Which group of animals is characterized by having only two germ layers (diploblastic)?
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Correct answer: C — Cnidaria
Phylum Cnidaria (e.g., jellyfish) are diploblastic, meaning they have an ectoderm and an endoderm layer.
Q10. Animals belonging to the Phylum Chordata possess which fundamental feature that is present throughout their entire body at some stage of their life cycle?
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Correct answer: A — Post-anal tail
The defining characteristic of Chordates is the presence of a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.
Q11. Which of the following phyla represents the simplest level of animal organization, lacking true tissues and organs?
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Correct answer: B — Porifera
Porifera (sponges) represent the simplest group of animals, characterized by a cellular structure lacking true tissues and organs, making them the basal group in animal classification.
Q12. Organisms belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes are classified as what type based on their body cavity arrangement?
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Correct answer: D — Acoelomate
Platyhelminthes (flatworms) are Acoelomates, meaning they lack a true body cavity between the gut and the outer body wall.
Q13. Which group of animals exhibits true segmentation of the body, meaning the body is divided into distinct segments?
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Correct answer: B — Annelida
Annelida (segmented worms) are characterized by the true segmentation of their body into numerous repeated segments.
Q14. Which of the following terms is NOT a primary characteristic used in the classification sequence from nonchordates to chordates?
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Correct answer: D — Presence of a muscular foot
The presence of a dorsal hollow nerve cord is the defining feature of Chordata. The other options describe characteristics found across various nonchordate groups (like some annelids or molluscs).
Q15. Animals belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes are classified as what type of body organization?
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Correct answer: C — Acoelomate
Platyhelminthes are acoelomates, meaning they lack a true body cavity (coelom) between the gut and the body wall.
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