Phylum Chordata
Invertebrate Chordates
Vertebrate Chordates
Trademarks
of Phylum Chordata
1.
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•
•
•
Notochord
Semi-rigid rod-like structure
Present at some time during dvlpmnt.
Made of cartilage
Functions:
1. Stiffening
2. Axis for muscle attachment
Trademarks
of Phylum Chordata
2.
Hollow Dorsal Nerve Chord
• Anterior end is brain
• Is spinal chord in vertebrates
Trademarks
of Phylum Chordata
3.
Pharyngeal Gill Slits or Pouches
• Location: where pharynx will be
• Present at some time during
life cycle
Pharynx

Pharynx
Trademarks
of Phylum Chordata
4.
Post – Anal Tail
• Function: propulsion
• Very good for swimming
Other Chordate Characteristics
• Bilateral symmetry
• Well- developed coelom
• Ventral heart
• Complete digestive tract
• Endoskeleton (bone or cartilage or
both)
Phylum Chordata
Includes:
1. Invertebrate Chordates
• Subphylum Urochordata
• Subphylum Cephalochordata
2. Vertebrate Chordates
• Subphylum Vertebrata
Subphylum Urochordata
1. Tunicates and Sea Squirts
2. Marine bottom dwellers
3. Sessile adults with a leathery tunic
4. Larvae possess all 4 chordate
trademarks
Subphylum Urochordata
• Pastel Sea Squirt
Subphylum Urochordata
• Blue Bell tunicate
Subphylum Cephalochordata
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lancelets (Amphioxus)
Marine
Fish-like shape, pointed at both ends
Silver in color
Small
Closed circulatory system
Lancelet
• Amphioxus