Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — All echinoderms are viviparous.
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedOption (a) is incorrect: Echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers) are predominantly oviparous and reproduce by broadcast spawning (external fertilization) in water; viviparity is extremely rare among them. Option (b) is correct: Nematodes (roundworms) lack a specialized circulatory system; pseudocoelomic fluid transports nutrients. Option (c) is correct: Osteichthyes (bony fishes) possess a swim/air bladder for buoyancy regulation. Option (d) is correct: Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes like sharks and rays) utilize claspers for internal fertilization.
The extreme categorical term 'ALL echinoderms are viviparous' is false, as nearly all marine invertebrates spawn eggs externally.
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