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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is among the earliest known vertebrates?
A
Lampreys
B
Hagfish
C
Sharks
D
None of the listed responses is correct.
E
Conodonts
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding what vertebrates are. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column. This group includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Next, familiarize yourself with the term 'Conodonts'. Conodonts are extinct, jawless vertebrates that lived from the Cambrian to the Triassic period. They are known primarily from their tooth-like microfossils.
Compare Conodonts with the other options provided: Lampreys, Hagfish, and Sharks. Lampreys and Hagfish are jawless fish, but they are not as ancient as Conodonts. Sharks are jawed vertebrates and appeared later in the evolutionary timeline.
Understand the significance of Conodonts in the context of vertebrate evolution. Conodonts are among the earliest known vertebrates, predating the other options listed.
Conclude that the correct answer is Conodonts, as they are recognized as one of the earliest vertebrates based on fossil evidence.