Question

All vertebrates are chordates. But all chordates are not vertebrates. Explain.

Answer 1

Answer :

i) In subphylum Vertebrata, the notochord present in embryos gets replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in adults.

ii) But in cephalochordates notochord persists throughout life as such and in urochordates, notochord is present only in larval stages and absent in adults.

iii) Thus, it can be said that all vertebrates are chordates but all chordates are not vertebrates.