A chordate (/ ˈkɔːrdeɪt / KOR-dayt) is a bilaterian animal belonging to the phylum Chordata (/ kɔːrˈdeɪtə / kor-DAY-tə). All chordates possess, at some point during their larval or adult stages, five distinctive physical characteristics (synapomorphies) that distinguish them from other taxa.

Feb 12, 2025 · Chordate, any member of the phylum Chordata, which includes the vertebrates, the most highly evolved animals, as well as two other subphyla—the tunicates and cephalochordates. Some classifications also include the phylum Hemichordata with the chordates.

All chordates are deuterostomes possessing a notochord. Animals in the phylum Chordata share four key features that appear at some stage during their development: a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail ([link]). In some groups, some of these are present only during embryonic development.

Apr 7, 2019 · Chordate Definition. A chordate is an animal that belongs to the phylum Chordata, which is part of the Deuterostomes kingdom. Organisms in the Deuterostomes kingdom have a distinct characteristic: their anus develops before their mouth in early embryonic stages.

Aug 6, 2023 · What is a chordate? The term “chordate” is used to refer to any animal belonging to the phylum Chordata. We can define chordate as follows: “The chordates are the class of animals that possess four anatomical features, namely (1) notochord, (2) dorsal nerve cord, (3) post-anal tail, and (4) pharyngeal slits, at least during some part of ...

Feb 12, 2025 · Chordate - Evolution, Paleontology, Anatomy: Chordates may have originated earlier than 590 million years ago and predate the fossil record. Hemichordates are probably the closest relatives of chordates.

Vertebrates are members of the kingdom Animalia and the phylum Chordata (Figure 29.1.1 29.1. 1). Recall that animals that possess bilateral symmetry can be divided into two groups—protostomes and deuterostomes—based on their patterns of embryonic development.

chordate , Any member of the phylum Chordata, which includes the most highly evolved animals, the vertebrates, as well as the marine invertebrate cephalochordates (see amphioxus) and tunicates.

Jul 31, 2024 · Chordates are bilaterally symmetrical animals, making up the third largest and the most diverse phyla in the animal kingdom, Chordata. They are distinguished by five characteristics: an elastic, rod-like notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, an endostyle or thyroid gland, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.

Jul 11, 2023 · Chordates encompass a diverse and fascinating group of animals, characterized by a set of unique anatomical features that define their evolutionary lineage. From the mighty blue whale to the unassuming lancelet, chordates span a wide range of species, inhabiting diverse ecosystems across the globe.