Phylum Chordata
Phylum Chordata includes animals that have a notochord at some stage of
their life.
This phylum includes the most advanced animals – all vertebrates (animals with backbone) and a few simple chordates.
This phylum includes the most advanced animals – all vertebrates (animals with backbone) and a few simple chordates.
- Vertebrata (Vertebrates)
- Non-vertebrate chordates
Fundamental Chordate Characteristics
All chordates possess (at least at some stage of life):
- Notochord
- Dorsal hollow nerve cord
- Pharyngeal gill slits
- Post-anal tail
Sub-phylum Vertebrata (Craniata)
Most advanced chordates – notochord replaced by vertebral column (backbone) & cranium
(skull) present.
- Cyclostomata (Agnatha)
- Pisces (Chondrichthyes)
- Pisces (Osteichthyes)
- Amphibia
- Reptilia
- Aves
- Mammalia