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Key characteristics features of chordates are

Option: 1

Spine, dorsal hollow nerve cord, digestive slits


Option: 2

Notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, muscular post­anal tail


Option: 3

Notochord, ventral hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, muscular post­anal tail


Option: 4

Notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, bony post­anal tail


Answers (1)

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The phylum chordata is characterized by the following:

Notochord: 

  • The name ‘Chordata’ is based on the presence of notochord at some stage or throughout the life cycle. 
  • It is a rod-like structure placed dorsally between the alimentary canal and nerve cord. 
  • It is derived from the mesoderm. 
  • In vertebrates, it is present during the embryonic development. 
  • It is then replaced by the vertebral column (spine) in the postnatal stage.

Dorsal Hollow Nerve Cord: 

  • It is placed dorsally to the notochord. 
  • It is hollow rod and is derived from the ectoderm. 
  • It develops into the brain and spinal cord and forms the central nervous system.

Pharyngeal Gill Slits: 

  • These are the openings present in the pharynx. 
  • They allow the entry and exit of water in aquatic animals. 
  • In vertebrate fishes, these develop into gills. In tetrapods, these are modified into tonsils and components of ears. 

Post-anal Tail: 

  • It is the posterior elongation of the body that goes beyond the anus. 
  • It consists of skeletal elements and muscles. 
  • It helps in locomotion in fishes and in balancing, courting etc. in terrestrial vertebrates. 
  • In is reduced and non-functional in man.

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The key characteristics features of chordates are notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, muscular post­anal tail.

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