Phylum Chordata

Phylum: Chordata

• Includes humans & other vertebrates
• FOUR defining features:
• 1). A dorsal, hollow nerve chord.
• 2). A notochord, a flexible, supportive, longitudinal rod located between digestive tract & nerve cord.
• 3). Pharyngeal slits located in the pharynx (region just behind the mouth).
• Sometimes used as gills

• 4). A muscular post-and tail (a tail posterior to the anus).

• Deuterostome animals
• Subphyla: mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds
• Also include lancelets & tunicata
• Echinoderm are chordates closest relatives
• Consists of vertebrate & invertebrate animals