Question

Define chordates with their characters.

Answer 1

Phylum Chordata:

1. Chordata is a phylum of the kingdom Animalia.
2. These organisms are eukaryotic, multicellular and heterotrophic organisms.

Characteristic features of phylum Chordata:

1. They are characterised by the presence of a notochord at some stage of their life.
2. They have a dorsal hollow nerve chord.
3. Presence of pharyngeal gill slits.
4. Presence of a post anal tail.
5. A ventrally present heart.
6. Chondricthyes(cartilagenous fish), osteicthyes(bony fish), amphibia, reptilia, aves and mammalia come under this group.