Concept explainers
To explain: The four distinguishing Chordate traits.
Concept introduction: Chordates belong to the Phylum Chordata. The chordates are the highly advanced phylum and includes diverse species with varying adaptations and habitats. Chordates have a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail in their life cycle.
Explanation of Solution
- Notochord
The notochord derived from the mesoderm is present in the anteroposterior axis of the chordates made of a substance similar to cartilage. The notochord is found closer toward the dorsal side than the ventral side. The notochord gives rise to nucleus pulposus of the vertebrae in higher chordates.
- Dorsal tubular nerve cord
Only chordates have dorsal nerve cord that is derived from the ectoderm. The nerve cord during embryonic development later gives rise to the central nervous system during development.
- Pharyngeal gill slits
The invertebrate chordates are filter feeders that feed with the help of pharyngeal gill slits. The pharyngeal gill slits later developed into gills of the aquatic chordates. The higher non-aquatic vertebrates have pharyngeal gill slits during development.
- Post anal tail
Tail is the extension of the body that gives balance for movement. The tail extends beyond the anus and occurs lifelong in most vertebrates. In tailless vertebrates like humans, it occurs during embryonic development.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 25 Solutions
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)
- List and explain the known features of Chordates Provide examples of chordates from various subphylums and superclassarrow_forwardDescribe the four characteristics that are unique tovertebrates.arrow_forwardIdentify the four derived characters that all chordates have at some point in their lifespan. Identify the fate of each derived character during human development.arrow_forward
- Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning