Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781305544703
Author: STARR
Publisher: Cengage
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Chapter 25, Problem 1SQ
Summary Introduction

To explain: The four distinguishing Chordate traits.

Concept introduction: Chordates belong to the Phylum Chordata. The chordates are the highly advanced phylum and includes diverse species with varying adaptations and habitats. Chordates have a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail in their life cycle.

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The Phylum: Chordate shares the following distinguishing characters from invertebrates. These characters are expressed during their embryonic development or post-embryonic development.

  • Notochord

    The notochord derived from the mesoderm is present in the anteroposterior axis of the chordates made of a substance similar to cartilage. The notochord is found closer toward the dorsal side than the ventral side. The notochord gives rise to nucleus pulposus of the vertebrae in higher chordates.

  • Dorsal tubular nerve cord

    Only chordates have dorsal nerve cord that is derived from the ectoderm. The nerve cord during embryonic development later gives rise to the central nervous system during development.

  • Pharyngeal gill slits

    The invertebrate chordates are filter feeders that feed with the help of pharyngeal gill slits. The pharyngeal gill slits later developed into gills of the aquatic chordates. The higher non-aquatic vertebrates have pharyngeal gill slits during development.

  • Post anal tail

    Tail is the extension of the body that gives balance for movement. The tail extends beyond the anus and occurs lifelong in most vertebrates. In tailless vertebrates like humans, it occurs during embryonic development.

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