Final answer:
The four characteristics present in all fishes are single-loop blood circulation, gills, a vertebral column, and a closed circulatory system with a heart. These structures support their aquatic lifestyle and physiological functions such as respiration, movement, and circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to select the four characteristics present in all fishes. After reviewing the characteristics of fish and their anatomical structures, we can narrow down the options to those present in virtually all fish species. These include:
- Single-loop blood circulation
- Gills
- A vertebral column
- A closed circulatory system with a heart
Fishes exhibit a single-loop blood circulation where the heart pumps blood to the gills for oxygenation and then directly to the rest of the body. Gills are present in all fishes and are essential for 'breathing' by extracting oxygen from water.
The vertebral column is a common feature in fishes, providing structural support and protection for the spinal cord. Lastly, fishes have a closed circulatory system with a heart that circulates blood throughout the body in a closed loop.
Please note that while fishes do not have an exoskeleton or exclusively rely on cutaneous respiration, and nutritional deficiencies are not a characteristic but a condition that can affect them, leading to various health issues. Therefore, options (a), (d), and (f) can be excluded.
Thus, the correct options in the final answer are (b) Single-loop blood circulation, (c) Gills, (e) A vertebral column, and part of other vertebrate traits not listed as an option but essential, a closed circulatory system with a heart.