phylum to which vertebrates belong
Phylum to which Vertebrates Belong
Answer:
“Chordata” is the phylum to which vertebrates belong. Members of the phylum Chordata are characterized by having a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some point in their life cycle. Vertebrates, a subphylum of Chordata, are distinct from other chordates in possessing a backbone or spinal column.
The phylum Chordata includes all animals that possess, at some point in their lives, a notochord. The notochord is a flexible rod of cells that runs along the dorsal side (back) of the animal, serving as a support structure. In most vertebrates, the notochord is replaced by the spinal column during the early stages of development.
The dorsal nerve cord is another defining characteristic of Chordates. It runs along the dorsal side of the animal and is the embryonic precursor to the central nervous system. In vertebrates, the dorsal nerve cord is protected by the spinal column and develops into the brain and spinal cord.
Pharyngeal slits are another feature of Chordates. In aquatic Chordates, these slits function in respiration and feeding. In terrestrial Chordates, they are modified into other structures, such as gills in fish or ears, tonsils and other parts of the head and neck region in humans.
Lastly, post-anal tail is a particular structure that extends beyond the animal’s anus. Most Chordates have a tail, although, In humans the tail is present during embryonic development but disappears as the embryos develop.
In summary, while Vertebrates belong to the Chordata phylum, the main distinguishing feature of vertebrates is that they possess a backbone or spinal column.