Notochord:
- It is the rod-like cartilaginous structure that is present dorsally during the development of embryos in animals.
- It is derived from the mesoderm.
- Those animals that do not possess notochord at any stage of their life cycles are called non-chordates. They are also called invertebrates. For example, sponges, coelenterates, Platyhelminthes etc.
- Those animals that possess the notochord either throughout or at any stage of their life cycles are called chordates. For example, hemichordates, urochordates etc.
- In some chordates, the notochord is replaced by a bony vertebral column. Such animals are called vertebrates. For example, mammals.

Sponges, Platyhelminthes and coelenterates do not possess notochord at any stage of their lives.
View full answer