Key Characteristics of Phylum
- Triploblastic
- Coelomates
- Bilateral Symmetry
- Share a set of 4 characteristics
How Many Species in Phylum
52,675
Structure and Function
- Chordates all have 4 derived characteristics (*in some species these traits are only expressed during embryonic development)
- Notochord - a longitudinal, flexible rod located between the gut and nerve cord
- Present in all chordate embryos
- Vertebrae - hollow nerve cord
- Develops from the ectoderm
- Other animal phyla usually have a solid ventral nerve cord
- The brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) develops from this nerve cord
- Phargngeal Pouches
- Open to the outside of the body from the mouth
- Can develop into gills or parts of an ear
- Tail - a tail extending beyond the anus
- provides much of the propulsive force in many aquatic species
- is our tailbone
- Notochord - a longitudinal, flexible rod located between the gut and nerve cord
Habitat
- Chordates are found everywhere on earth
- Different subphylas are limited to different habitats
Interesting Facts
- The blue whale is the largest chordate
- The phylum chordata includes both vertebrates and invertebrates