Chordata Phylum
Chordata contains the most familiar species, including humans. All chordates have several things in common that occur at some stage of development. They have pharyngeal slits, which are openings that connect the inside of the throat to the outside of the neck. Their main feature, what they are named after, is the notochord, which is a rod that supports the nerve cord. The nerve cord is also present in all species. A tail is also present. In most species these features disappear with age. There are about 4,400 species
The characteristic of chordates (Phylum Chordata) is the presense of a notochord (an internal skeletal rod that provides support) during some stage of the animal's development.
bilateral symmetry
body segmentation
endoskeleton (bony or cartilaginous)
pharyngeal pouches (present during some stage of development)
complete digestive system
ventral heart
closed blood system
tail (at some stage of development)
The characteristic of chordates (Phylum Chordata) is the presense of a notochord (an internal skeletal rod that provides support) during some stage of the animal's development.
bilateral symmetry
body segmentation
endoskeleton (bony or cartilaginous)
pharyngeal pouches (present during some stage of development)
complete digestive system
ventral heart
closed blood system
tail (at some stage of development)