Which of the following is not a vertebrate?

Prepare for the NLN PAX Science Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and exam readiness.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not a vertebrate?

Explanation:
A vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone. The snake, dolphin, and lizard all have spinal columns made of vertebrae that encase the spinal cord and provide structural support. The starfish lacks a backbone entirely and is an invertebrate in the echinoderm group; its body is supported by an internal skeleton made of hard plates and its nervous system isn’t protected by a vertebral column. So the starfish is the one that is not a vertebrate.

A vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone. The snake, dolphin, and lizard all have spinal columns made of vertebrae that encase the spinal cord and provide structural support. The starfish lacks a backbone entirely and is an invertebrate in the echinoderm group; its body is supported by an internal skeleton made of hard plates and its nervous system isn’t protected by a vertebral column. So the starfish is the one that is not a vertebrate.

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