Section 1
Chordates
Book
Version 32
By Boundless
By Boundless
Boundless Biology
Biology
by Boundless
4 concepts
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Characteristics of Chordata
Animals in the phylum Chordata share four key features: a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.
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Chordates and the Evolution of Vertebrates
Chordata contains two subphylums of invertebrates: Urochordata (tunicates) and Cephalochordata (lancelets).
The Evolution of Craniata and Vertebrata
Both genomic and fossil evidence suggests that vertebrates evolved from craniates, which evolved from invertebrate chordates.
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Characteristics of Vertebrates
Vertebrata is a subphlyum of Chordata that is further defined by their bony backbone.