CHORDATE Meaning and
Definition
-
A chordate refers to a member of a diverse phylum of animals that possess a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a post-anal tail during some stage of their life cycle. This phylum, known as Chordata, includes a wide range of species, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and some invertebrates like tunicates and lancelets.
At the core of chordate anatomy is the notochord, a flexible rod-like structure that provides support and rigidity, often serving as the foundational structure for the spine in latter species. The dorsal nerve cord, running along the back of the organism, is another key characteristic of chordates, serving as the central nervous system conduit. Additionally, chordates possess pharyngeal gill slits, which can function for respiration in aquatic species and may have evolved into various structures like the jaw or the ear in different lineages. Finally, most chordates exhibit a post-anal tail either during embryonic development or throughout their lives, which aids in locomotion and balance in aquatic environments.
Chordates have a remarkable degree of anatomical and physiological diversity, reflecting their adaptation to a wide range of ecological niches. This phylum is often regarded as one of the most successful evolutionary lineages due to its representation across diverse habitats around the globe.
Common Misspellings for CHORDATE
Etymology of CHORDATE
The word "chordate" comes from the Greek word "khordḗ" (χορδή), meaning "string" or "cord". It is derived from the Greek verb "khérein" (χέρειν), which means "to hold" or "to enclose". The term "chordate" was coined by the German biologist Karl Ernst von Baer in the early 19th century to describe a group of animals characterized by the presence of a flexible rod-like structure called the notochord, which runs along the back in early stages of development. This notochord was analogously named "khordḗ" (χορδή) due to its cord-like appearance.
Similar spelling words for CHORDATE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
