Select the incorrect statements from the following :

A. Digestive system in Platyhelminthes is incomplete.
B. Bilateral symmetry is a characteristic feature of adult Echinoderms.
C. Pseudocoelom is possessed by Aschelminthes.
D. Notochord is persistent throughout life in the class Chondrichthyes.
E. Members of class Reptilia maintain a constant body temperature.

Choose the  correct answer from the options given below :

First, recall the statements:

A. Digestive system in Platyhelminthes is incomplete.
B. Bilateral symmetry is a characteristic feature of adult Echinoderms.
C. Pseudocoelom is possessed by Aschelminthes.
D. Notochord is persistent throughout life in the class Chondrichthyes.
E. Members of class Reptilia maintain a constant body temperature.

We evaluate each statement.

Statement A: Platyhelminths (flatworms) have a gastrovascular cavity with a single opening; they lack a separate mouth and anus, so the digestive tract is indeed incomplete. Therefore this statement is correct.

Statement B: Adult echinoderms (e.g., starfish, sea urchins) exhibit pentaradial symmetry, not bilateral symmetry. Bilateral symmetry is present only in their larval stages. Hence the statement that bilateral symmetry is a characteristic feature of adult echinoderms is false.

Statement C: Aschelminthes (also called nematodes and related groups) have a pseudocoelom, a body cavity that is not completely lined by mesoderm. This is a well‑established feature, so the statement is correct.

Statement D: In the class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes such as sharks and rays), the notochord is present during embryonic development but is largely replaced by the vertebral column in adults. It is not persistent throughout life. Therefore the statement is false.

Statement E: Reptiles are ectothermic; they rely on environmental heat and cannot maintain a constant body temperature internally. Thus the claim that they maintain a constant body temperature is incorrect.

From the evaluation, the statements that are incorrect are B and E. The option that lists exactly these is “B and E only”.