Invertebrate vs Vertebrate Systems Practice Questions
20 free Invertebrate vs Vertebrate Systems practice questions for the NCERT Biology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following is a fundamental difference between the nervous system of non-chordates and chordates?
- A Non-chordates have a dorsal, hollow, and single nerve cord
- B Chordates have a ventral solid nerve cord
- C Non-chordates have a ventral, solid, and double nerve cord
- D Chordates lack a central nervous system
Correct answer: Non-chordates have a ventral, solid, and double nerve cord
In non-chordates (invertebrates), the nerve cord is located ventrally and is solid and double. In contrast, chordates possess a dorsal, hollow, and single nerve cord.
The circulatory system in Arthropods and Molluscs (except cephalopods) is of which type?
- A Closed type
- B Open circulation
- C Single circulation
- D Incomplete closed type
Correct answer: Open circulation
Arthropods and most molluscs possess an open circulatory system where blood is pumped into open spaces called sinuses. Vertebrates and Annelids possess a closed circulatory system where blood flows through a network of vessels.
Respiratory pigments like Hemoglobin are dissolved in the plasma of which invertebrate?
- A Pheretima (Earthworm)
- B Periplaneta (Cockroach)
- C Pila (Apple Snail)
- D Asterias (Starfish)
Correct answer: Pheretima (Earthworm)
In Earthworms (Annelida), hemoglobin is dissolved in the blood plasma because they lack red blood cells. In vertebrates, hemoglobin is contained within specialized cells called Erythrocytes.
Which of the following invertebrate groups possesses a 'Water Vascular System' for locomotion and respiration?
- A Porifera
- B Cnidaria
- C Echinodermata
- D Platyhelminthes
Correct answer: Echinodermata
Echinoderms possess a unique water vascular system that functions in locomotion, capture and transport of food, and respiration. This system is distinct from the water canal system found in sponges.
The heart of a vertebrate is always located _______, while the heart of an invertebrate (if present) is usually _______.
- A Dorsally, Ventrally
- B Ventrally, Dorsally
- C Laterally, Ventrally
- D Ventrally, Laterally
Correct answer: Ventrally, Dorsally
Vertebrates have a myogenic heart located on the ventral side of the body. Invertebrates like arthropods have a neurogenic heart located on the dorsal side.
Which excretory organ is specifically found in Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)?
- A Nephridia
- B Malpighian tubules (Insects)
- C Protonephridia (Flame cells)
- D Antennal glands
Correct answer: Protonephridia (Flame cells)
Flame cells or protonephridia are the specialized excretory structures in flatworms that help in osmoregulation and excretion. Nephridia are typical for annelids, while Malpighian tubules are for insects.
In contrast to vertebrates, insects like the Cockroach perform gas exchange through a network of:
- A Book lungs
- B External gills
- C Tracheal tubes
- D Skin
Correct answer: Tracheal tubes
Insects possess a tracheal system consisting of a network of tubes that open through spiracles. This system delivers oxygen directly to the tissues, unlike the pulmonary system of vertebrates.
The 'Statocyst' found in many invertebrates like prawns is an organ for:
- A Vision
- B Waste excretion process
- C Balance and Equilibrium
- D Taste
Correct answer: Balance and Equilibrium
Statocysts are sensory receptors found in various invertebrates that provide a sense of balance. In vertebrates, this function is performed by the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear.
Which of the following statements regarding the symmetry of animals is generally true?
- A Most vertebrates are radially symmetrical
- B Lower invertebrates such as sponges are mostly bilaterally symmetrical
- C Echinoderm adults are bilaterally symmetrical
- D Higher invertebrates and all vertebrates are bilaterally symmetrical
Correct answer: Higher invertebrates and all vertebrates are bilaterally symmetrical
Bilateral symmetry is a hallmark of complex animals, including most higher invertebrates and all vertebrates. Echinoderms are unique because they have bilateral larvae but radial adults.
Invertebrates lack a backbone; instead, many arthropods possess an exoskeleton made of:
- A Calcium carbonate
- B Chitin
- C Silica
- D Spongin
Correct answer: Chitin
Arthropods are characterized by a chitinous exoskeleton that provides protection and support. Vertebrates have an endoskeleton made of bone or cartilage.
Which invertebrate group shows a 'tube-within-a-tube' body plan with a pseudocoelom?
- A Annelida
- B Aschelminthes (Roundworms)
- C Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)
- D Arthropoda
Correct answer: Aschelminthes (Roundworms)
Aschelminthes are the first group to show a complete digestive tract (tube-within-a-tube) but their body cavity is a pseudocoelom, not a true coelom lined by mesoderm.
Vertebrates have a hepatic portal system. Which statement best describes this?
- A Blood flows from the digestive tract to the liver before the heart
- B Blood flows from the heart directly to the liver
- C Blood flows from the kidneys to the liver before returning to the heart
- D Liver produces blood for the digestive system
Correct answer: Blood flows from the digestive tract to the liver before the heart
The hepatic portal system is a characteristic of vertebrates where venous blood from the gastrointestinal tract is diverted to the liver. This allows the liver to process nutrients and toxins before the blood enters systemic circulation.
A 'Gvc' (Gastrovascular cavity) with a single opening is found in:
- A Cnidaria
- B Aschelminthes
- C Annelida
- D Arthropoda
Correct answer: Cnidaria
Cnidarians and Platyhelminthes have an incomplete digestive system called a gastrovascular cavity. It has only one opening that serves as both mouth and anus.
Which of the following is an example of a 'Deuterostome'?
- A Mollusca
- B Annelida
- C Arthropoda
- D Chordata
Correct answer: Chordata
In deuterostomes (Echinoderms and Chordates), the blastopore of the embryo develops into the anus. In protostomes (Molluscs, Annelids, Arthropods), the blastopore becomes the mouth.
Hemocyanin, a blue respiratory pigment containing copper, is found in:
- A Mammals
- B Amphibians
- C Earthworms and other Annelids
- D Molluscs and Crustaceans
Correct answer: Molluscs and Crustaceans
Hemocyanin is a copper-based oxygen-carrying protein found in the blood of some invertebrates like squids and crabs. It turns blue when oxygenated, unlike iron-based hemoglobin.
In vertebrates, the nitrogenous waste is filtered by kidneys. In the Cockroach, this is done by:
- A Green antennal glands
- B Flame cells
- C Nephridia
- D Malpighian tubules
Correct answer: Malpighian tubules
Insects like the cockroach use Malpighian tubules for excretion. These tubules remove uric acid from the hemolymph and discharge it into the hindgut.
The 'Radula' is a specialized organ for feeding found in which invertebrate group?
- A Arthropoda
- B Echinodermata
- C Porifera
- D Mollusca
Correct answer: Mollusca
Most molluscs have a file-like rasping organ for feeding called a radula. This is an invertebrate adaptation for mechanical breakdown of food, analogous to vertebrate teeth.
Which of the following lacks a true coelom?
- A Platyhelminthes
- B Annelida
- C Mollusca
- D Higher Chordates
Correct answer: Platyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes are acoelomates, meaning they lack a body cavity between the gut and the body wall. Annelids, Molluscs, and Chordates are all true coelomates.
The ability to produce light, known as bioluminescence, is a well-marked feature of which invertebrate phylum?
- A Ctenophora
- B Porifera
- C Aschelminthes
- D Annelida
Correct answer: Ctenophora
Ctenophores (comb jellies) are exclusively marine organisms known for their bioluminescence. This phenomenon is rare in vertebrates, occurring mostly in deep-sea fishes.
A post-anal tail is a characteristic feature of:
- A Only Chordates
- B All invertebrates
- C Annelids and Arthropods
- D Echinoderms
Correct answer: Only Chordates
The post-anal tail is one of the four fundamental characteristics of chordates. In invertebrates, the digestive tract usually extends to the very end of the body.