Which of the following characteristics is shared by both hagfish and lampreys?

• A. Presence of paired fins
• B. Possession of scales
• C. Lack of jaws
• D. Ability to produce slime

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the characteristics of hagfish and lampreys. Both are jawless fish, which is a key feature to consider.
2. Hagfish are known for their ability to produce slime as a defense mechanism, but this is not a characteristic shared with lampreys.
3. Lampreys and hagfish both lack paired fins, which is another feature to consider.
4. Neither hagfish nor lampreys possess scales, which is a common feature in other types of fish.
5. The shared characteristic between hagfish and lampreys is the lack of jaws, as both belong to the group of jawless fish known as Agnatha.