Phylum Chordata: Introduction to Phylum Chordata, Features of Chordates
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Introduction to Phylum Chordata
Phylum Chordata possess a bilaterally symmetrical body and presence of notochord is most distinguishing character that all animals belonging to this phylum.
It belongs to the Kingdom Animalia and includes all the vertebrates, i.e., animals with a backbone along with several invertebrates, i.e., organisms without a backbone.
Features of Chordates

Features of Chordates
Notochord
Its main function is to support the nerve cord.
The vertebral column replaces the notochord in vertebrate animals.
Notochord further consists of a longitudinal rod that is made of cartilage and runs between the nerve cord and the digestive tract.
Dorsal Nerve Cord
A bundle of nerve fiber which connects the brain to the muscles and other organs.
Post-Anal Tail
The tail has skeletal muscles in some chordates which help in locomotion.
Pharyngeal Slits
These are the openings connecting the mouth and the throat.
The entry of water through the mouth is allowed without entering the digestive system.
This is the third largest phylum in the subphylum Vertebrata.
Division of Phylum Chordata

Division of Phylum Chordata
Urochordata
It is also known as Tunicata because the body of an adult is enclosed within a tunic made up of cellulose like substance known as tunicin.
A dorsal ganglion in adults replaces the nerve cord present in larva.
The larva can move and undergoes metamorphosis.
For e.g. Ascidia, Salpa, Doliolum.
Cephalochordata
The tail is present throughout the life.
Progressive metamorphosis is shown.
The notochord is found throughout life.
For e.g. Lancelets possess the notochord and nerve cord throughout their life.
Vertebrata
These contain advanced chordates and have cranium around the brain.
A high degree of cephalization is observed.
They have a well-developed coelom (the principal body cavity in most animals).
The alimentary canal is complete.
For e.g. in Humans.