A lamprey, a shark, a lizard, and a rabbit share all the following characteristics except __________.

• A. pharyngeal clefts in the embryo
• B. vertebrae
• C. a dorsal, hollow nerve cord
• D. All of the listed responses are correct.
• E. hinged jaws

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the characteristics shared by the organisms listed: lamprey, shark, lizard, and rabbit.
2. Understand that pharyngeal clefts in the embryo, vertebrae, and a dorsal, hollow nerve cord are common features in vertebrates.
3. Recognize that lampreys, sharks, lizards, and rabbits are all vertebrates, so they share these features.
4. Consider the unique feature that distinguishes some of these organisms: hinged jaws.
5. Note that lampreys do not have hinged jaws, while sharks, lizards, and rabbits do, making hinged jaws the characteristic not shared by all.