Table of Contents
Fundamental Character of Chordata
After reading this article you will learn about fundamental character of chordata
Fundamental Character of Chordata
1. Presence of notochord
- In Embryonic stage of chordate animals there is a solid stick/rod like structure called notochord
- It is present just below nerve cord and above alimentary canal
- Notochord is extended from anterior to posterior end of body at dorsal surface
- It is mesodermal in origin
- In protochordate, it persists throughout life
- In vertebrates, it is replaced by backbone / vertebral column in adults
2. Presence of nerve cord
- In chordates CNS is situated at dorsal surface of body
- Nerve cord is single, hollow and tubular
- Nerve cord is present below the body wall and just above notochord
- Nerve cord is ectodermal in origin
3. Presence of pharyngeal gill slits
- In each chordate animal there are paired lateral gill slits in wall of pharynx for respiration in any stage of life span
- In aquatic chordates and lower chordates pharyngeal gill slits are present throughout their life span for respiration
- In terrestrial chordates, gill slits are found only in embryonic stages and are absent in adults as they have lungs
4. Presence of post anal tail
- In chordates tail if present is the post anal part of body
- Tail is reduced or absent in many adult chordates
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