CHORDATA Meaning and
Definition
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Chordata is a biological term that refers to a diverse phylum of animals characterized by possessing a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some point during their development. It is one of the major phyla in the animal kingdom and includes more than 65,000 known species, ranging from marine organisms like fish to terrestrial animals like mammals and reptiles.
The defining characteristic of chordates is the notochord, a flexible rod-shaped structure that runs along the length of their body. In most chordates, the notochord is present only in the embryo stage, and it is replaced by the vertebral column or backbone in adults. The dorsal nerve cord is another key feature, running along the back and usually developing into the central nervous system.
Pharyngeal slits are another defining feature of chordates. These slits appear in the pharynx region in early embryonic stages and serve various functions in different species, including respiration, filter feeding, or the development of jaws and inner ear structures.
Lastly, chordates have a post-anal tail, which extends beyond the anus and can be present throughout their lives or only during the embryonic stages. This tail provides balance and propulsion in aquatic species and forms the coccyx in humans.
Chordates are highly diverse, occupying various habitats and exhibiting wide-ranging body forms and lifestyles. Their evolutionary success is attributed to the adaptability and versatility enabled by their key anatomical features.
Common Misspellings for CHORDATA
Etymology of CHORDATA
The word "Chordata" has its origin in the Latin word "chorda", which means "string" or "cord". This is in reference to the defining characteristic of chordates, which is the presence of a flexible rod-like structure called the "notochord" along the length of their body during at least some stage of their life cycle. The term was first used in the early 19th century by the Danish zoologist Otto Friedrich Müller to describe a group of animals that possess this unique feature.
Similar spelling words for CHORDATA
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