Biology 11 Phylum Chordata & Subphylum Vertebrata Notes

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CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYLUM CHORDATA All chordates share 4 general characteristics: 1. Notochord a dorsal supporting rod located below the nerve cord toward the back in vertebrates, the embryonic notochord is replaced by the vertebral column 2. Dorsal Hollow Nerve Cord fluid filled canal used to transmit nerve impulses from the brain to the body called the spinal cord in vertebrates 3. Pharyngeal Pouches seen only during embryonic development in most vertebrates becomes gills in invertebrate chordates, fish and some amphibian larvae modified in terrestrial vertebrates become auditory tubes, tonsils, thymus gland and parathyroids in humans 4. Post-Anal Tail tail that extends pass the anus remnants of this is the tail bone in humans

Invertebrate Chordates notochord not replaced by the vertebral column Includes lancelets (Cephalochordata) and tunicates (Urochordata) Question: The invertebrate chordates seem ridiculously simple when compared with vertebrate animals such as Mammals. Why are they grouped in the same phylum?

Vertebrate Chordates Subphylum Vertebrata embryonic notochord replaced by vertebral column skeleton attached to vertebral column protects internal organs skeleton also serves as a place for muscle attachment Question: Think of the invertebrate animals we have learned about. Did they have skeletons? What types?

What is a possible advantage of NOT having a skeleton?

skull with well-developed brain and attached sensory organs evolution of jaws allowed for predation to occur two pairs of appendages for rapid movement complete one-way digestive tract, closed circulatory system kidneys make up part of excretory system and are also used for water regulation amniotic egg allowed for terrestrial reproduction: provided a method of gas and nutrient exchange and prevents water loss.

Chordate Evolution