Question

What is notochord ?

Answer 1

The notochord is an elastic rod which extends through Chordate organism, providing rigid support. In the more derived Chordates, the Vertebrates, the notochord is replaced by the vertebral column, and becomes the cartilaginous substance between vertebrae. The notochord can be seen in the image below, of a lancelet. Lancelets are some of the simplest Chordates.