Chordata
- Phylum: Chordata
Overview
All members of phylum chordata will at some point in their development have a spinal nerve cord, notochord (backbone), pharyngeal gill slits and post-anal tail (both of which are common during embryonic development). The vertebrae of the backbone may be comprised of either bone or cartilage. Other characteristics include bilateral symmetry, complete digestive tract with organ systems, and a head region with a well developed brain. Chordates inhabit virtually all environments on earth and include a variety of feeding modes (filter feeders, detritivores, herbivores, predators).
